N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Enantioselective [3 + 2] Dearomatizing Annulation of Saturated Carboxylic Esters with N-Iminoisoquinolinium Ylides

J Org Chem. 2018 Apr 6;83(7):3879-3888. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.8b00227. Epub 2018 Mar 23.

Abstract

The dearomatizing annulation reaction is a significant challenge in organic chemistry. The direct activation of α-carbons of simple saturated esters, as nucleophiles, is an important synthesis strategy. In the present study, we disclose [3 + 2] dearomatizing annulation reactions with direct activating α-carbons of saturated carboxylic esters and N-iminoisoquinolinium ylides, which possess highly enantioselective characteristics, catalyzed by N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs). The protocol achieves isoquinoline dearomatization and the construction of tricyclic chiral products under mild conditions with good yield, substrate tolerance, and diastereoselectivity as well as excellent enantioselectivity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't