The Facile Production of N-Methyl Amino Acids via Oxazolidinones

Abstract

A range of oxazolidinones derived from N-carbamoyl α-amino acids were prepared by an efficient method as key intermediates in the synthesis of N-methyl amino acids and peptides. The method was readily applied to most α-amino acids except those with basic side chains. The oxazolidinones were converted by reductive cleavage into N-methyl α-amino acids.