The document describes a new synthetic method for efficiently constructing r-hydroxy-β-amino amide derivatives using the Passerini reaction. The reaction involves N-protected amino aldehydes, isonitriles, and trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in the presence of a pyridine base. This proceeds under mild conditions and directly yields r-hydroxy-β-amino amide derivatives in moderate to high yields. The method provides a novel and concise approach to constructing these important subunits for pharmaceuticals and natural products in fewer steps than traditional methods. Application of the Passerini reaction to 20 examples of amino aldehydes and isonitriles demonstrated the scope and generality of the