Enantioselective Organocatalytic Synthesis of 2-Oxopiperazines from Aldehydes: Identification of the Elusive Epoxy Lactone Intermediate

Org Lett. 2016 Nov 18;18(22):5800-5803. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.6b02699. Epub 2016 Oct 28.

Abstract

An organocatalytic linchpin catalysis approach was envisaged to convert simple aldehydes into enantioenriched 2-oxopiperazines. A four-step reaction sequence (chlorination, oxidation, substitution, and cyclization) was developed and led to different substitution patterns in high yields and selectivities. The reaction mechanism was studied, and the previously elusive epoxy lactone intermediate was identified by HRMS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't