Synthesis of (R)-(+)-3-(1-Hydroxyethylidene)-1-(1-phenylethyl)piperidine-2,4-dione, a Novel Tetramic Acid Analog

Herein, starting from (R)-(+)-α-methylbenzylamine, we report an efficient synthesis and full characterization of a new (R)-3-(1-hydroxyethylidene)-1-(1-phenylethyl)piperidine-2,4-dione, a new tetramic acid analog. The key steps involved a non-classical Corey–Chaykovsky intramolecular cyclization reaction to access the corresponding zwitterion, followed by a sequential desulfurization/reduction and condensation procedure. The titled product was obtained in five steps, and the desired product 7 with an overall 58% yield.