Studies on cyclization reactions of 3-amino-2,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid derivatives

A number of cyclic derivatives of 3-amino-2,4-dihydroxybutanoic acid are known in the literature but they are often prepared from other cyclic precursors. This study showed that the title compound too may serve as a convenient substrate for cyclization reactions. Using orthogonally-protected linear derivatives, regioselective cyclizations were performed, leading to original and highly-functionalized gamma-lactones, oxazolidinones, oxazolines and aziridines. In these reactions a key role was played by the C3 nitrogen group function, while the C2 alcohol function showed no propensity for participation in cyclization reactions.