Chemistry of Norbornane/ene and Heteronorbornane/ene β-Amino Acids

The structures, biological properties, preparations and synthetic applications of norbornane/ene bicyclic and heteroatombridged β-amino acids are discussed. These compounds are rare and unique β-alanine derivatives which can be used as bifunctional synthons for the preparation of heterocycles. Through peptidation, they form oligopeptide-like molecules with special helical structures.