One-pot stereoselective synthesis of 1,2-amino alcohol derivatives

Common β-hydroxy amino acids (such as threonine) can be readily transformed into 1,2-amino alcohols with excellent stereoselectivity. This one-pot decarboxylation-alkylation process allows the replacement of the carboxyl group by alkyl, allyl, or aryl groups, generally in high yields. A variation of the process (decarboxylation-Diels-Alder) allows the formation of bi- and polycyclic systems, which are useful precursors of alkaloid cores or iminosugars.