Transition states and origins of 1,4-asymmetric induction in alkylations of 2,2,6-trialkylpiperidine enamines

Chemistry. 2010 Jun 1;16(21):6310-6. doi: 10.1002/chem.201000046.

Abstract

The asymmetric C-alkylation of chiral enamines derived from terminal epoxides and lithium 2,2,6-trialkylpiperidides has previously been shown to provide alpha-alkylated aldehydes by intermolecular nucleophilic substitution in good levels of asymmetric induction. We now report a computational study of the origins of asymmetric induction in these reactions. Computational modeling with density functional theory (B3LYP/6-31G(d)) agrees closely with the experimental observations. This stereoselectivity is attributed to a preferential conformation of the enamine and the piperidine ring that places the C-6 alkyl substituent in an axial position due to A(1, 3) strain. Preferential attack occurs away from the axial group, for steric reasons. The effects of changing the C-6 substituent from methyl to isopropyl were studied, and twist transition states were found to contribute significantly in the latter alkylations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aldehydes / chemistry
  • Alkylation
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Piperidines / chemistry*

Substances

  • Aldehydes
  • Piperidines
  • piperidine