Enantioselective Hydrothiolation: Diverging Cyclopropenes through Ligand Control

J Am Chem Soc. 2021 Apr 28;143(16):6176-6184. doi: 10.1021/jacs.1c00939. Epub 2021 Apr 15.

Abstract

In this article, we advance Rh-catalyzed hydrothiolation through the divergent reactivity of cyclopropenes. Cyclopropenes undergo hydrothiolation to provide cyclopropyl sulfides or allylic sulfides. The choice of bisphosphine ligand dictates whether the pathway involves ring-retention or ring-opening. Mechanistic studies reveal the origin for this switchable selectivity. Our results suggest the two pathways share a common cyclopropyl-Rh(III) intermediate. Electron-rich Josiphos ligands promote direct reductive elimination from this intermediate to afford cyclopropyl sulfides in high enantio- and diastereoselectivities. Alternatively, atropisomeric ligands (such as DTBM-BINAP) enable ring-opening from the cyclopropyl-Rh(III) intermediate to generate allylic sulfides with high enantio- and regiocontrol.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Allyl Compounds / chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Coordination Complexes / chemistry
  • Cyclopropanes / chemistry*
  • Ligands*
  • Rhodium / chemistry
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds / chemistry*
  • Sulfides / chemistry

Substances

  • Allyl Compounds
  • Coordination Complexes
  • Cyclopropanes
  • Ligands
  • Sulfhydryl Compounds
  • Sulfides
  • allyl sulfide
  • cyclopropene
  • Rhodium