Asymmetric synthesis of β,β-difluoroamino acids via cross-coupling and Strecker reactions

β,β-Difluoroamino acids were synthesized from commercially available ethyl bromodifluoroacetate using cross-coupling and Strecker reactions as key steps. The coupling reaction of aryl iodides with ethyl bromodifluoroacetate gave the corresponding coupling products, which were transformed to 2-difluoromethyl-1,3-oxazolidines in two steps. Boron trifluoride etherate promoted Strecker reaction of 2-difluoromethyl-1,3-oxazolidines gave α-amino nitriles in good yields and diastereoselectivities. After removal of chiral auxiliary and hydrolysis of the nitrile group, β,β-difluorophenylalanine was obtained with 73% ee. Partial racemization occurred during the hydrolysis of nitrile group.