Direct Synthesis of α‐Amino Acid Derivatives by Hydrative Amination of Alkynes

Abstract α‐Amino acid derivatives are key components of the molecules of life. The synthesis of α‐amino carbonyl/carboxyl compounds is a contemporary challenge in organic synthesis. Herein, we report a practical method for the preparation of α‐amino acid derivatives via direct hydrative amination of activated alkynes under mild conditions, relying on sulfinamides as the nitrogen source. Computational studies suggest that the reaction is enabled by a new type of sulfonium [2,3]‐sigmatropic rearrangement.