The inverted ketene synthon: a double umpolung approach to enantioselective β(2,3)-amino amide synthesis

A stereocontrolled synthesis of β(2,3)-amino amides is reported. Innovation is encapsulated by the first use of nitroalkenes to achieve double umpolung in enantioselective β-amino amide synthesis. Step economy is also fulfilled by the use of Umpolung Amide Synthesis (UmAS) in the second step, delivering the amide product without intermediacy of a carboxylic acid or activated derivative. Molybdenum oxide-mediated hydride reduction provides the anti-β(2,3)-amino amide with high selectivity.