Described here is a direct catalytic asymmetric functionalization of unactivated alkyl indoles using organocatalysis. In the presence of an effective chiral urea catalyst and a phosphoric acid additive, the intermolecular C-C bond formation between alkyl indoles and trifluoropyruvates proceeded with high efficiency and enantiocontrol. Unlike previous asymmetric C(sp3 -H) functionalizations of α-azaarenes, this process does not require the use of either a strong base or an electron-deficient substrate. The excellent enantiocontrol is particularly noteworthy in view of the severe background reaction as well as the complete inability of other types of catalysts evaluated. Control experiments, kinetic studies, and DFT calculations provided important insights into the mechanism.
Keywords: asymmetric catalysis; chirality; nitrogen heterocycles; organocatalysis; reaction mechanisms.
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