Metal-Free Stereoselective Synthesis of (E)- and (Z)-N-Monosubstituted β-Aminoacrylates via Condensation Reactions of Carbamates.

N-monosubstituted β-aminoacrylates are building blocks, which have been used in the preparation of amino acids and pharmaceuticals. Two efficient, stereoselective methods of preparation, via acid- or base-promoted condensation reactions of carbamates, are described. The base-promoted reaction is E-selective, while acid catalysis can, through the choice of solvent, selectively form E or Z. The acid-catalyzed E-selective process proceeds through a crystallization obviating the need for chromatographic purification.