Stereochemical Studies. IV. Studies on α-Alkyl-α-amino Acids. XII. Hofmann and Curtius Rearrangements of S (+)-2-Cyano-2-methyl-3-phenylpropionic Acid

Abstract

Hofmann and Curtius rearrangements of (S) (+)-2-cyano-2-methyl-3-phenylpropionic acid ((S) (+)-Ia) having a quarternary asymmetric carbon at α position were made. These rearrangements clearly proceeded with nearly 100% retention of configuration even if the migrating groups were quarternary. Preliminary examinations using racemic compounds are also described.