Applications of the sulfinimine-mediated asymmetric strecker synthesis to the synthesis of alpha-alkyl alpha-amino acids

Addition of Et2AlCN and i-PrOH to ketosulfinimines (N-sulfinyl imines) affo rds corresponding alpha -alkyl alpha -amino nitriles in moderate to goad yi elds. The diastereoselectivity is largely dependent on the E/Z isomer ratio of the ketosulfinimine. Hydrolysis of the diastereomericelly pure amino ni triles affords enantiopure alpha -alkyl alpha -amino acids in moderate to g ood yields.