Synthesis of 3-aminochroman derivatives by radical cyclization.

[reaction: see text] Enantiomerically pure 5-acetyl-3-amino-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran and methyl 3-amino-3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-5-carboxylate were successfully synthesized starting from d- or l-serine. The formation of the benzopyran ring involved a radical cyclization step. The enantiomeric purities of the final aminochroman derivatives were determined by capillary electrophoresis using beta-cyclodextrins as a chiral selector.