A totally stereocontrolled route to N-methyl-γ-amino-β-hydroxy acids: Asymmetric synthesis of the amino acid component of hapalosin

A new approach to the synthesis of N-methyl-γ-amino-β-hydroxy acids, compounds that are essential components of several depsipeptides exhibiting highly interesting therapeutic profiles, is presented. Relevant steps in the synthetic sequence involve the totally stereoselective preparation of a protected aminoalkyl epoxide from a highly enantiopure 2,3-epoxy alcohol, efficient N-methylation and three-step conversion to the desired N-methyl amino acid. The method is exemplified by the enantioselective synthesis of (3R,4S)-4-(N-methylamino)-3-hydroxy-5-phenylpentanoic acid in two differently protected forms.