Chemical Dynamic Kinetic Resolution and S/R Interconversion of Unprotected α-Amino Acids

Reported herein is the first purely chemical method for the dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of unprotected racemic α‐amino acids (α‐AAs), a method which can rival the economic efficiency of the enzymatic reactions. The DKR reaction principle can be readily applied for S/R interconversions of α‐AAs, the methodological versatility of which is unmatched by biocatalytic approaches. The presented process features a virtually complete stereochemical outcome, fully recyclable source of chirality, and operationally simple and convenient reaction conditions, thus allowing its ready scalability. A quite unique and novel mode of the thermodynamic control over the stereochemical outcome, including an exciting interplay between axial, helical, and central elements of chirality is proposed. A new player for DKR: Dynamic kinetic resolution of α‐amino acids has been achieved upon complexation with nickel(II) and a chiral ligand derived from optically active bis(naphthyl)amine under thermodynamic control, thus affording excellent diastereoselectivities and chemical yields. The S to R interconversion of α‐amino acids is also described.