The first synthesis of the two 3-(trifluoromethyl)glutamate chlorhydra
tes 14 is described. Only the RS* glutamate 15 can be isolated as the
pure amino compound; neutralization of the RR* diastereoisomer 14 pr
oduces the trans 3-(trifluoromethyl) pyroglutamate 4. The key step of
the synthesis is a Michael reaction between 3-chloro-4,4,4-trifluorocr
otonate 7 and a glycine derivative.