Copper-Catalyzed Oxy-aminomethylation of Diazo Compounds with N,O-Acetals

A novel oxy-aminomethylation reaction of diazo compounds has been developed, providing the alpha-hydroxy-beta(2)-amino acid derivatives with quaternary carbon centers in moderate to excellent yields. Importantly, the readily available N,O-acetals have been employed as efficient bifunctionalization reagents to react with copper carbene intermediates, leading to the concurrent incorporation of an alkoxy and an iminium group into one molecule. Moreover, a water-involved three-component reaction occurs to deliver the free-hydroxy amino acid derivatives.