Asymmetric synthesis of phosphonotrifluoroalanine and its derivatives using N-tert-butanesulfinyl imine derived from fluoral

Addition of dialkyl phosphites to (S)-N-tert-butanesulfinyl imine derived from fluoral afforded, under mild conditions, the corresponding N-tert-butanesulfinyl α-aminophosphonates in moderate to high yields and diastereoselectivity. The major diastereomers of N-tert-butanesulfinyl α-aminophosphonates of (SS,S) configuration were isolated, and after partial or complete deprotection, converted into enantiomerically pure phosphonotrifluoroalanine and its dialkyl esters.