Optically active nitroalkenes—synthesis, addition reactions and transformation into amino acids

Optically active nitroalkenes 4 were synthesized via Henry reaction. Conjugate addition of vinylmagnesium bromide to 4 gave nitroalkane syn-5 while cyclopropanation with sulfur ylides or dibromocarbene afforded nitrocyclopropanes 8, 10 and 11 in a diastereoselective manner. These products were used to synthesize optically active β-amino acids 7 and 16 as well as cyclopropane γ-amino acids 19 and 20 by reduction of the nitro group and oxidative cleavage of the dioxolane substituent.