One-Pot Tandem Michael Addition/Enantioselective Conia-Ene Cyclization Mediated by Chiral Iron(III)/Silver(I) Cooperative Catalysis

Abstract

The first one-pot tandem Michael addition/enantioselective Conia-ene cyclization of N-protected prop-2-yn-1-amines with 2-methylene-3-oxoalkanoates promoted by chiral iron(III)/silver(I) cooperative catalysts has been developed. Alkyl 4-methylenepyrrolidine-3-acyl-3-carboxylates, which can be transformed into β-proline derivatives, are obtained in high yield with high enantioselectivity.

Keywords: Conia-ene cyclization; Michael addition; asymmetric catalysis; cooperative catalysis; tandem reactions.