Asymmetric synthesis of trisubstituted tetrahydrothiophenes bearing a quaternary stereocenter via double Michael reaction involving dynamic kinetic resolution

Org Lett. 2013 Jul 5;15(13):3436-9. doi: 10.1021/ol4014975. Epub 2013 Jun 20.

Abstract

The stereoselective synthesis of highly functionalized tetrahydrothiophenes bearing three contiguous stereocenters, one of them quaternary, can be achieved by reacting trans-α-cyano-α,β-unsaturated ketones and trans-tert-butyl 4-mercapto-2-butenoate in the presence of a readily available amine thiourea. The products are obtained in high yield, good diastereoselectivity, and excellent enantioselectivity. The overall formation of tetrahydrothiophenes occurs via a cascade double Michael reaction involving a highly efficient process of dynamic kinetic resolution.