Addition of Et2AlCN and i-PrOH to ketosulfinimines (N-sulfinyl imines) affords corresponding alpha -alkyl alpha -amino nitriles in moderate to goad yields. The diastereoselectivity is largely dependent on the E/Z isomer ratio of the ketosulfinimine. Hydrolysis of the diastereomericelly pure amino nitriles affords enantiopure alpha -alkyl alpha -amino acids in moderate to good yields.