Synthesis of arylglycines via the Dِtz benzannulation reaction

Arylglycines are biologically active α-amino acids. Our approach toward the synthesis of arylglycines features the Dötz benzannulation reaction between a variety of Fischer chromium carbene complexes 3 and alkyne 4. This leads to the formation of protected arylglycinols 5, which can be transformed to the corresponding N-protected arylglycines.