Dynamic kinetic resolution and desymmetrization processes: a straightforward methodology for the enantioselective synthesis of piperidines

A straightforward procedure for the synthesis of enantiopure polysubstituted piperidines is reported. It involves the direct generation of chiral non-racemic oxazolo[3,2-a]piperidone lactams that already incorporate carbon substituents on the heterocyclic ring and the subsequent removal of the chiral auxiliary. The key step is a cyclocondensation reaction of (R)-phenylglycinol or other amino alcohols with racemic or prochiral delta-oxo (di)acid derivatives in highly stereoselective processes involving dynamic kinetic resolution and/or desymmetrization of diastereotopic or enantiotopic ester groups.