Arylglycine-derivative synthesis via oxidative sp3 C-H functionalization of α-amino esters

An efficient method for the synthesis of arylglycine derivatives is described. The oxidative coupling reactions of naphthols and phenols with alpha-amino esters proceeded smoothly in the presence of meta-chloroperoxybenzoic acid as an oxidant under ambient conditions, to produce arylglycine derivatives in satisfactory yields.