Enantioselective Reductive Divinylation of Unactivated Alkenes by Nickel-Catalyzed Cyclization Coupling Reaction

J Am Chem Soc. 2021 Aug 25;143(33):12961-12967. doi: 10.1021/jacs.1c05670. Epub 2021 Aug 12.

Abstract

Catalytic asymmetric dicarbofunctionalization of tethered alkenes has emerged as a promising tool for producing chiral cyclic molecules; however, it typically relies on aryl-tethered alkenes to form benzene-fused compounds. Herein, we report an enantioselective cross-electrophile divinylation reaction of nonaromatic substrates, 2-bromo-1,6-dienes. The approach thus offers a route to new chiral cyclic architectures, which are key structural motifs found in various biologically active compounds. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions, and the use of chiral t-Bu-pmrox and 3,5-difluoro-pyrox ligands resulted in the formation of divinylated products with high chemo-, regio-, and enantioselectivity. The method is applicable for the incorporation of chiral hetero- and carbocycles into complex molecules.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't