Synthesis of (3R)- and (3S)-3,4-Diamino-Butyric Acid from L-Aspartic Acid

Novel Synthesis of 3,4-Diaminobutanenitriles and 4-Amino-2-butenenitriles from 2-(Cyanomethyl)aziridines through Intermediate Aziridinium Salts: An Experimental and Theoretical Approach

1-Arylmethyl-2-(cyanomethyl)aziridines were transformed into 4-(N,N-bis(arylmethyl)amino)-3-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)butanenitriles and 4-(N,N-bis(arylmethyl)amino)-2-butenenitriles via 4-(N,N-bis(arylmethyl)amino)-3-bromobutanenitriles in high yields and purity. The key steps involve the unprecedented regiospecific ring opening of intermediate 2-(cyanomethyl)aziridinium salts by bromide and pyrrolidine in acetonitrile, exclusively at the substituted aziridine carbon atom. The results were rationalized on the basis of ab initio calculations.

Synthesis of (R)-3,4-diaminobutanoic acid by desymmetrization of dimethyl 3-(benzylamino)glutarate through enzymatic ammonolysis

Lipase B from Candida antarctica is shown to be a highly efficient catalyst for the desymmetrization of dimethyl 3-(benzylamino)glutarate (1) through aminolysis and ammonolysis reactions. Using this procedure, enantiopure monoamides are obtained in high yield. The synthetic value of these compounds is demonstrated by the preparation of an enantiopure nonnatural amino acid, i.e. (R)-3,4-diaminobutanoic acid [(+)-12].