Chiral diamines based on an 8-amino-5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoline backbone, known as CAMPY (L1), or the 2-methyl substituted analogue Me-CAMPY (L2) were employed as novel ligands in Cp* metal complexes for the ATH of a series of substituted dihydroisoquinolines (DHIQs), known for being key intermediates in the synthesis of biologically active alkaloids. Different metal-based complexes were evaluated in this kind of reaction, rhodium catalysts, C3 and C4, proving most effective both in terms of reactivity and enantioselectivity. Although modest enantiomeric excess values were obtained (up to 69% ee in the case of substrate I), a satisfactory quantitative conversion was successfully fulfilled even in the case of the most demanding hindered substrates when La(OTf)3 was used as beneficial additive, opening up the possibility for a rational design of novel chiral catalysts alternatives to the Noyori-Ikariya (arene)Ru(II)/TsDPEN catalyst.
Keywords: 1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopentadienyl metal complex; alkaloids precursors; cyclic imines; diamine ligand.