Efficient synthesis of enantiopure β-amino-γ-keto acids from L-homoserine

(Matrix presented) A variety of β-amino-γ-keto acids were prepared in four steps from commercially available L-homoserine. The reaction sequence is highlighted by a Ni-catalyzed Grignard addition to a N-protected derivative of L-homoserine. One of the β-amino-γ-keto acids was then used to create a β-peptide trimer composed solely of β-amino-γ -keto acids.