New catalytic processes which lead to the formation of N-acyl-α-amino acids promoted by homogeneous binary systems are described: (a) the isomerization-amidocarbonylation of allyllic alcohols catalyzed by transition metal binary systems, e.g., Co-Rh, Co-Pd, Co-Fe, giving various aliphatic N-acyl-α-amino acids; (b) the isomerization-amidocarbonylation of oxiranes catalyzed by cobalt-Lewis acid systems