Solid state conformations of α,β-unsaturated hydroxamates derived from the ‘chiral Weinreb amide’ auxiliary (S)-N-1-(1′-naphthyl)ethyl-O-tert-butylhydroxylamine

α,β-Unsaturated hydroxamates derived from the ‘chiral Weinreb amide’ auxiliary (S)-N-1-(1′-naphthyl)ethyl-O-tert-butylhydroxylamine consistently adopt a defined conformation and undergo highly diastereoselective conjugate addition reactions with lithium amide reagents. The configuration of the N-1-(1′-naphthyl)ethyl group dictates the position of the O-tert-butyl group and also the configuration adopted by the pyramidal nitrogen atom via a ‘chiral relay’ effect. Conjugate addition of lithium amide reagents to these substrates proceeds on the face opposite to both the O-tert-butyl group and nitrogen lone-pair with high levels of diastereoselectivity.