RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE USE OF N-PHTHALOYL-AMINO ACID-DERIVATIVES IN SYNTHESIS

Photolysis and free radical bromination of N-phthaloyl-amino acid deri vatives each results in side chain functionalisation. Products of thes e reactions enable the synthesis of a wide range of functionalised ami no acid derivatives in which the absolute stereochemistry is predeterm ined by that of the original amino acids and the relative stereochemis try is governed by the mechanisms of the reactions of those species. T he utility of the methodology in asymmetric synthesis has been extende d through the temporary introduction of a new stereochemical centre on to the phthaloyl group, for self-reproduction of chirality, while neve r neighbouring group effects result in stereoconvergent syntheses in s ome cases.