High stereocontrol in the allylation of chiral non-racemic α-alkoxy and α-amino nitrones

The stereocontrolled addition of allylic metals to chiral non-racemic nitrones promoted by the addition of Lewis acids is described. Whereas for α-alkoxy nitrones the stereocontrol depends on the Lewis acid used as an activator, for α-amino nitrones the diastereofacial course of the reaction depends on the protection of the α-amino group. The successful implementation of the methodology is represented by the enantiodivergent synthesis of d- and l-allylglycine.