π¬ New way to build complex amino acids π§ͺ
Researchers developed a straightforward and efficient method for creating diverse enantioenriched $\alpha$-amino acid derivatives. This breakthrough was achieved by combining nickel hydride catalysis and hydrogen atom transfer, performed by experts at the Technical University of Denmark. The protocol yields good results, with high enantioselectivities, and was published on September 24, 2026. This reaction is practical because it operates under mild conditions and tolerates various functional groups. This platform offers a robust way to synthesize chiral building blocks for medicinal chemistry.