Novel conformationally constrained pyroglutaminols and pyroglutamates are readily available using an α,β-unsaturated bicyclic lactam as a template for diastereocontrolled enolate additions in the key step; zinc enolates are particularly effective in this regard. The bicyclic ring system both controls and permits the determination of ring stereochemistry. The utility of this methodology is demonstrated by a formal total synthesis of the NMDA receptor agonist, CPAA 11. © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2000.
