Synthesis of racemic cis-1-alkyl- and 1-aryl-2-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic esters

The title cyclic β-amino esters were synthesized stereo- and regioselectively. Starting from the corresponding 1-aryl- and 1-alkylcyclopropane-1,2-dicarboxylates, selective monosaponification and subsequent Curtius reaction leads to certain cis-1-alkyl- and 1-aryl-2-aminocyclopropanecarboxylic esters. These β-aminocyclopropanecarboxylate derivatives (β-ACCs) can be seen as useful building blocks for β-peptides.