An efficient asymmetric synthesis of (2S,3S)- and (2R,3R)-β-hydroxyornithine

Asymmetric syntheses of (2S,3S)- and (2R,3R)-β-hydroxyornithine have been achieved in four steps and 46% overall yield. The key step in this synthesis involved an aldol reaction between a chiral glycine boron enolate and (3-oxo-propyl)-carbamic acid benzyl ester.