Enantioselective Dearomative [3+2] Cycloaddition Reactions of Benzothiazoles

Abstract

A highly enantioselective dearomative [3+2] cycloaddition of benzothiazole has been successfully developed. A wide range of benzothiazoles and cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylates are suitable substrates for this reaction. The desired hydropyrrolo[2,1-b]thiazole compounds were obtained in excellent enantioselectivity and yields (up to 97 % ee and 97 % yield). With the same catalytic system, a highly efficient kinetic resolution of 2-substituted cyclopropane-1,1-dicarboxylates was also realized.

Keywords: Lewis acids; cycloadditions; enantioselectivity; magnesium; small-ring compounds.