Diastereoselective Conjugate Addition of Cyanide to (alpha),?-Unsaturated ­Oxazolidinones: Enantioselective Synthesis of entPregabalin and Baclofen

Conjugate addition of cyanide to chiral (alpha),?-unsaturated oxazolidinones catalyzed by samarium(III) isopropoxide proceeds with good diastereoselectivity. The addition products can be ­converted into the biologically active targets ent-pregabalin and ­ baclofen.