Regioselective SN2' Mitsunobu reaction of Morita–Baylis–Hillman alcohols: A facile and stereoselective synthesis of α-alkylidene-β-hydrazino acid derivatives

A highly regioselective S N 2' Mitsunobu reaction between Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) alcohols, azodicarboxylates, and triphenylphosphine is developed, which provides an easy access to α-alkylidene-β-hydrazino acid derivatives in high yields and good stereoselectivity. This reaction represents the first direct transformation of MBH alcohols into hydrazines.