A convenient transformation of α-alkylserines into α-halogenomethyl-α-alkylglycines

An efficient and facile synthesis of N-Boc-α-chloromethyl- and α-bromomethyl-α-alkylglycines is reported that involves cyclization of N-Boc-α-alkylserines to the corresponding β-lactones under Mitsunobu reaction conditions, followed by ring opening with anhydrous MgCl2 or MgBr2.