A convenient and scalable synthesis of ethyl N-[(2-Boc-amino)ethyl]glycinate and its hydrochloride. Key intermediates for peptide nucleic acid synthesis.

An improved synthesis of ethyl N-[(2-Boc-amino)ethyl]glycinate and its hydrochloride salt is reported. The synthesis is based on the reductive alkylation of Boc-ethylenediamine with ethyl glyoxylate hydrate and furnishes the title compound in near quantitative yield and high purity without chromatography. This compound is suitable, as is, for the synthesis peptide nucleic acid monomers. Further, conversion to the hydrochloride salt provides a stable, nonhygroscopic solid that is a convenient form for handling and storage.