Synthesis of Novel Amino Acids Containing Cubane

The synthesis of four novel cubane-containing amino acids/protected amino acids is reported. Cubane glycine 5 was prepared, from readily available intermediate 9. Cubane alanine 6 was prepared after developing conditions for the hydrogenation of unsaturated precursor 16. Two further -amino acids were prepared employing a Mitsunobu C-C bond-forming reaction and the addition of a lithium amide to an ,-unsaturated ketone.