New electrophilic addition of α-diazoesters with ketones for enantioselective C-N bond formation

J Am Chem Soc. 2011 Oct 5;133(39):15268-71. doi: 10.1021/ja2056159. Epub 2011 Sep 8.

Abstract

α-Diazoesters were discovered to be good electrophiles in a catalytic asymmetric α-functionalization of ketones for the first time. This reaction also provided a direct and efficient method for C-N bond formation with excellent yields (up to 98%) and enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee) under mild conditions. The application of the electrophilicity of α-diazoesters opens up a novel way to access the diversity of diazo chemistry.