Kinetic resolution is achieved in the reaction of racemic diiron complexes like 1 with the chiral nitrone (-)-2. Oxidative removal of the metal and reductive cleavage of the N-O bond provides β-amino acids. This sequence was used in the synthesis of β-amino acids as well as the corresponding β-lactams 4 (via 3).
Inexpensive and Environmentally Friendly Oxidation of Hydroxylamines to Nitrones with Bleach