Stereoselective synthesis of γ-amino acids

gamma-Amino acids have attracted considerable attention as biologically active compounds in the central nervous system (CNS) of mammals. Over the last few years, significant interest in the stereoselective synthesis and practical application of linear and cyclic chiral gamma-amino acids in the synthesis and design of alpha,beta- and beta,gamma-hybrid peptides with definite secondary structures and design of nanotubes has been reported, thus demonstrating the theoretical interest and the practical importance of gamma-amino acids. An overview of synthetic approaches to linear and cyclic chiral gamma-amino acids and derivatives is presented. Data on the practical applications Of gamma-amino acids are also discussed. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.