Rhodium-catalysed racemisation of N-acyl α-amino acids

The first transition metal-catalysed racemisation of N-acyl α-amino acids, which is of importance for kinetic resolution processes, is described. Enantiomerically pure N-acyl α-amino acids were efficiently racemised under mild conditions using various rhodium complexes as catalysts, e.g. [Rh(cod)Cl]2, in the presence of phosphines.