Impact of Host Flexibility on Selectivity in a Supramolecular Host-Catalyzed Enantioselective aza-Darzens Reaction

J Am Chem Soc. 2022 Jun 29;144(25):11425-11433. doi: 10.1021/jacs.2c04182. Epub 2022 Jun 14.

Abstract

A highly enantioselective aza-Darzens reaction (up to 99% ee) catalyzed by an enantiopure supramolecular host has been discovered. To understand the role of host structure on reaction outcome, nine new gallium(III)-based enantiopure supramolecular assemblies were prepared via substitution of the external chiral amide. Despite the distal nature of the substitution in these catalysts, changes in enantioselectivity (61 to 90% ee) in the aziridine product were observed. The enantioselectivities were correlated to the flexibility of the supramolecular host scaffold as measured by the kinetics of exchange of a model cationic guest. This correlation led to the development of a best-in-class catalyst by substituting the gallium(III)-based host with one based on indium(III), which generated the most flexible and selective catalyst.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Gallium*
  • Indium* / chemistry
  • Molecular Structure
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Indium
  • Gallium