Synthesis of enantiomerically pure (2R, 5S)- and (2R, 5R)-5-hydroxypipecolic acid from glycinate Schiff bases

Abstract An asymmetric synthesis of cis - and trans - 5-hydroxy-(D)-pipecolic acid, starting from glycinate Schiff bases is described. The approach involves the stereoselective alkylation to generate an unsaturated side chain which on cyclisation leads to the desired trans - or cis - 5-hydroxy-(D)-pipecolic acid.