Chiral crown conformation of Rh(2)(S-PTTL)(4): enantioselective cyclopropanation with alpha-alkyl-alpha-diazoesters

J Am Chem Soc. 2009 Jun 3;131(21):7230-1. doi: 10.1021/ja9026852.

Abstract

Herein, we provide crystallographic and computational evidence that Hashimoto's Rh(2)(S-PTTL)(4) catalyst adopts a "chiral crown" conformation with a reactive chiral face and an unreactive achiral face. In Rh(2)(S-PTTL)(4), all four tert-butyl groups are aligned on the same face of the catalyst, and each C-(t-Bu) bond is roughly parallel to the central Rh-Rh bond. This orients the four phthalimido groups on the opposite face of the catalyst. Also described is an enantioselective and diastereoselective protocol for intermolecular Rh(2)(S-PTTL)(4)-catalyzed cyclopropanation using alpha-alkyl-alpha-diazoesters. Intermolecular cyclopropanation is selective over two competing intramolecular pathways: C-H insertion and beta-hydride elimination. On the basis of density functional theory calculations and the Davies-Singleton model for cyclopropanation, a model for asymmetric induction is proposed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Cyclopropanes / chemistry
  • Diazonium Compounds / chemistry
  • Esters / chemistry
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemistry*
  • Rhodium / chemistry*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Cyclopropanes
  • Diazonium Compounds
  • Esters
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Rhodium