Asymmetric Synthesis of an Amino Acid Derivative from Achiral Aroyl Acrylamide by Reversible Michael Addition and Preferential Crystallization.

Single-handed α-amino acid derivatives were generated from achiral precursors without an external chiral source. Conjugate addition of phenethylamine to an achiral aroyl acrylamide under homogeneous conditions gave the α-amino amides in quantitative yields, which crystallized as a conglomerate of a P2 crystal system. Dynamic preferential crystallization or attrition-enhanced deracemization resulted in the formation of enantiomorphic crystals of 99 % ee.