Copper-Catalyzed Asymmetric Cyanation of Propargylic Radicals via Direct Decarboxylation of Propargylic Carboxylic Acids

Org Lett. 2023 Jul 14;25(27):5006-5010. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c01637. Epub 2023 Jun 29.

Abstract

Chiral propargylic cyanides are often used as small-molecule feedstocks for the introduction of chiral centers into various valuable products and complex molecules. Here, we have developed a highly atom-economical strategy for the chiral copper complex-catalyzed synthesis of chiral propargylic cyanides. Propargylic radicals can be smoothly obtained by direct decarboxylation of the propargylic carboxylic acids without preactivation. The reactions show excellent selectivity and functional group compatibility. Gram-scale reaction and several conversion reactions from chiral propargylic cyanide have demonstrated the synthetic value of this strategy.

MeSH terms

  • Carboxylic Acids*
  • Catalysis
  • Copper*
  • Cyanides
  • Decarboxylation
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Carboxylic Acids
  • Copper
  • Cyanides