Asymmetric Sommelet–Hauser Rearrangement of N-Benzylic Ammonium Salts^†

Abstract

[2,3] over [1,2]: The asymmetric Sommelet–Hauser rearrangement of an ammonium salt derived from N-benzylic proline-derived or N-benzylic glycine (−)-8-phenylmenthol ester is shown to proceed with remarkably high levels of stereoselectivity. The method provides unique and efficient access to optically active α-aryl amino acid derivatives.