A general method is reported for the synthesis of w-heterocyclic a-amino acids, which involves preparation of enaminone intermediates from thiolactams, followed by reaction with dinucleophiles, resulting in a single-step condensation and ring-chain transformation to the desired w-heterocyclic a-amino acids after deprotection of amine and carboxylic group. The reaction steps preserve the chirality of the parent-substituted lactam. The method is illustrated by the synthesis of (2S)-and (2R)-2-amino-4-(1-aryl-/ 1,5-diaryl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)butyric acids.