Abstract: A process for the manufacture of N-protected .alpha.-aminoketones and N-protected .alpha.-aminoalcohols of the formula ##STR1## wherein X is halogen, one of Q.sup.1 and Q.sup.2 is hydrogen and the other is hydroxy or Q.sup.1 and Q.sup.2 together are oxo, R.sup.1 is an amino protecting group and R.sup.2 is hydrogen or the characterizing group of an .alpha.-aminocarboxylic acid,starting from the corresponding lower alkyl N-protected .alpha.-aminocarboxylates via corresponding lower alkyl N-silyl protected .alpha.-aminocarboxylates.