Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Azlactones by a Chiral N, N-Dimethyl-4-aminopyridine Derivative Containing a 1,1'-Binaphthyl Unit: Importance of Amide Groups.

A dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of azlactones in the presence of benzoic acid and a binaphthyl-based N, N-4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) derivative 1i having two amide groups at the 3,3'-positions of a binaphthyl unit is developed. The reaction proceeded smoothly with a wide range of azlactones to provide α-amino acid derivatives with good to high enantiomeric ratios (er's). A multigram-scale reaction (2.5 g) for the DKR of azlactone 2d was also demonstrated, and the resulting product was converted to unnatural α-amino acid 6d'.