Asymmetric Retro-Claisen Reaction by Chiral Primary Amine Catalysis

J Am Chem Soc. 2016 Mar 30;138(12):3978-81. doi: 10.1021/jacs.6b00627. Epub 2016 Mar 22.

Abstract

The communication describes an enamine-based asymmetric retro-Claisen reaction of β-diketones by primary amine catalysis. The reaction proceeds via a sequence of stereoselective C-C formation, C-C cleavage, and a highly stereospecific enamine protonation to afford chiral α-alkylated ketones or macrolides with high yields and enantioselectivities. A detailed mechanism was explored on the basis of experimental evidence and computational studies to account for the observed stereocontrol.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't