Highly stereoselective gram scale synthesis of all the four diastereoisomers of Boc-protected 4-methylproline carboxylates.

A general and practical synthetic process for all the four diastereoisomers of Boc-protected 4-methylproline carboxylates has been developed with essentially complete stereoselectivity on the gram scale, which represents the most diastereoselective preparation of 4-methylproline derivatives to date. This synthesis features an Evans asymmetric alkylation to elegantly establish the challenging stereochemistry of the 4-methyl group, providing valuable insights for the diastereoselective preparation of 4-substituted prolines.