ASYMMETRIC HYDROGENATIONS OF N-PYRUVOYL-(S)-AMINO ACID ESTERS BY USING SODIUM BOROHYDRIDE. A SOLVENT EFFECT

Abstract
N-Pyruvoyl-(S)-amino acid isobutyl esters were hydrogenated with sodium borohydride(NBH) in several alcoholic solvents, and N-[(R)-lactoyl]-(S)-amino acid esters were obtained with diastereoisomeric purity of up to 44%. Significant solvent effect on the diastereoisomeric purity of the product was observed.