The use of asymmetric transfer hydrogenation combined with dynamic kinetic resolution for the synthesis of β-hydroxy-α-(tert-butoxycarbonyl)amino esters in water is described. This procedure provides the desired amino alcohols in good yields, diastereoselectivities, and enantioselectivities. A surfactant is employed to achieve good yields due to the hydrophobic nature of both the catalyst and substrate. The reaction setup is operationally simple, and nondegassed water can be used as the solvent.

The synthesis of concavine is described, utilising a key sulfenylative radical cyclisation and highly regio- and stereocontrolled imide reactions.

in Water: Synthesis of anti-β-Hydroxy-α-amino Acid Derivatives. -(SEASHORE-LUDLOW*, B.; SAINT-DIZIER, F.; SOMFAI, P.; Org. Lett. 14 (2012) 24, 6334-6337, http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ol303115v ; Dep. Chem. Sci. Eng., Org. Chem., KTH Royal Inst. Technol., S-100 44 Stockholm, Swed.; Eng.) -Mais 19-068