Synthesis of β-hydroxy-α-amino acid derivatives by the cross-dehydrogenative coupling of N-arylglycine esters with α-hydroxy ketones

A formal cross-dehydrogenative coupling reaction between α-hydroxy ketones and N-arylglycine derivatives for the synthesis of various β-hydroxy-α-amino acid derivatives is disclosed. The compatibility of substrate and oxidant in this reaction is achieved by controlling the dosing sequence, and the products are successfully obtained in 29–93% yields. This work provides a new method for the synthesis of β-hydroxy-α-amino acid derivatives which possesses high efficiency, convenience, and atom economy.