Synthesis and reactions of α-fluoro-α-amino amides

N-((S)-1-Phenylethyl)halofluoroethanamides have been investigated as precursors to N-protected α-fluoro-α-amino amides by nucleophilic displacement of halide with nitrogen nucleophiles such as potassium phthalimide, sodium succinimide, sodium glutarimide, trimethylamine and sodium azide. With single diastereoisomers of the iodofluoroethanamide, clean inversion of configuration occurs at room temperature, but subsequent epimerisation may occur as a result of the liberated iodide. The α-fluoro-α-amino amides made underwent a wide variety of reactions depending on conditions, but in many cases the carbon–fluorine bond was compromised. However, reacting trimethylamine and N-((S)-1-phenylethyl)iodofluoroethanamide gave the corresponding α-fluorobetaine amide, and subsequent acidic hydrolysis led to α-fluorobetaine as the first example of an ‘unprotected’ α-fluoroamino acid.

Graphical abstract Halofluoroethanamides have been investigated as precursors to α-fluoro-α-amino amide derivatives by displacement of halide with a variety of nitrogen nucleophiles such as imides, azide and trimethylamine, with the latter leading to the synthesis of α-fluorobetaine as a first example of a fully unprotected α-fluoroamino acid.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide