A convenient route to enantiopure 3-aryl-2,3-diaminopropanoic acids by diastereoselective Mannich reaction of camphor-based tricyclic iminolactone with imines.

A novel and convenient route to the asymmetric synthesis of 2,3-diamino acids via Mannich reaction of iminolactones 1a and 1b with N-protected imines has been achieved in good yields (up to 95%) and high diastereoselectivity (dr: >99:1). Hydrolysis of the Mannich adducts under acidic conditions furnished the desired 3-aryl-2,3-diaminopropanoic acids in good yields (up to 85%) with excellent enantiomeric excesses (99% ee).