Synthesis of 13C labeled β-cyano-ʟ-alanine

A synthetic methodology for preparation of β-cyano-ʟ-alanine was developed via ʟ -serine. Esterification of ʟ -serine with MeOH, followed by protection of NH 2 with CBz, gave methyl 2-(benzyloxycarbonylamino)-3-hydroxypropanoate. Mesylation of OH group, and then cyanation, ester hydrolysis and removal of the CBz group with catalytic hydrogenation, gave β-cyano-ʟ-alanine. Crucial step for the synthesis of the title compound was cyanation with K 13CN.