Synthesis of vicinal aminoalcohols by stereoselective aza-Wacker cyclizations: access to (-)-acosamine by redox relay

Diastereoselective aza-Wacker cyclization of O-allyl hemiaminals under aerobic conditions enables efficient access to 1,2-aminoalcohol derivatives from allylic alcohols. The scope of this method is presented and its utility is highlighted in a streamlined synthesis of the biologically important aminosugar (–)-acosamine.