Straightforward synthesis of enantiopure (R)- and (S)-trifluoroalaninol

Abstract

Two efficient routes are reported for the synthesis of both enantiomers of trifluoroalaninol in enantiopure form. The first pathway involves a Strecker-type reaction performed from a chiral trifluoromethyloxazolidine (Fox). The second route, which is more direct, involves, as a key step, the reduction of chiral oxazolidines or imines derived from ethyl trifluoropyruvate.