Ir/Cu Dual Catalysis: Enantio- and Diastereodivergent Access to α,α-Disubstituted α-Amino Acids Bearing Vicinal Stereocenters

J Am Chem Soc. 2018 Feb 14;140(6):2080-2084. doi: 10.1021/jacs.8b00187. Epub 2018 Feb 2.

Abstract

We describe a fully stereodivergent synthesis of a range of α,α-disubstituted α-amino acids via an Ir/Cu-catalyzed α-allylation of readily available imine esters. The introduction of a Cu-Phox complex-activated imine ester into the chiral iridium-catalyzed allylic allylation process is crucial for its high reactivity and excellent enantio- and diastereoselectivity (up to >99% ee and >20:1 dr). Importantly, the two chiral catalysts allow for full control over the configuration of the stereocenters, affording all stereoisomers of the desired products. The utility of this methodology was demonstrated by synthesizing dipeptides and analogues of bioactive molecules in a stereodivergent manner.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Allyl Compounds / chemical synthesis
  • Allyl Compounds / chemistry
  • Amino Acids / chemical synthesis*
  • Amino Acids / chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Copper / chemistry*
  • Dipeptides / chemical synthesis
  • Dipeptides / chemistry
  • Esters / chemical synthesis
  • Esters / chemistry
  • Imines / chemical synthesis
  • Imines / chemistry
  • Iridium / chemistry*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Allyl Compounds
  • Amino Acids
  • Dipeptides
  • Esters
  • Imines
  • Iridium
  • Copper