Direct Asymmetric α-Selective Mannich Reaction of β,γ-Unsaturated Ketones with Cyclic α-Imino Ester: Divergent Synthesis of Cyclocanaline and Tetrahydro Pyridazinone Derivatives

Chemistry. 2021 Mar 17;27(16):5130-5135. doi: 10.1002/chem.202100284. Epub 2021 Feb 18.

Abstract

The first regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselective direct Mannich reaction of β,γ,-unsaturated ketones with benzoxazinone cyclic imines was enabled by Lewis acid/Brønsted base cooperative catalysis. The dinuclear zinc complex catalyzed the reaction of a broad range of β,γ-unsaturated ketones to proceed at the α-site exclusively, leading to corresponding adducts with two consecutive tertiary carbon stereocenters in diastereomeric ratios of up to >20:1 and enantioselectivities generally in the 90-99 % ee range. These products were used as general intermediates in the synthesis of multisubstituted cyclocanalines, tetrahydro pyridazinones, and 4H-furo[2,3-b][1,4]benzoxazine derivatives.

Keywords: Mannich reaction; cyclocanaline; dinuclear zinc catalyst; divergent synthesis; β,γ-unsaturated ketones.