Rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of exocyclic α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds

Org Biomol Chem. 2020 Feb 7;18(5):856-859. doi: 10.1039/c9ob02536g. Epub 2020 Jan 15.

Abstract

A highly enantioselective hydrogenation of exocyclic α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds catalyzed by Rh/bisphosphine-thiourea (ZhaoPhos) has been developed, giving the corresponding α-chiral cyclic lactones, lactams and ketones with high yields and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% yield and 99% ee). Remarkably, the hydrogen bond between the substrate and the catalyst plays a critical role in this transformation. The synthetic utility of this protocol has been demonstrated by efficient synthesis of chiral 3-(4-fluorobenzyl)piperidine, a key chiral fragment of bioactive molecules.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't