Stereoselective Amine Synthesis Mediated by a Zirconocene Hydride to Accelerate a Drug Discovery Program

J Org Chem. 2024 Mar 15;89(6):3875-3882. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c02723. Epub 2024 Feb 29.

Abstract

Chiral amine synthesis remains a significant challenge in accelerating the design cycle of drug discovery programs. A zirconium hydride, due to its high oxophilicity and lower reactivity, gave highly chemo- and stereoselective reductions of sulfinyl ketimines. The development of this zirconocene-mediated reduction helped to accelerate our drug discovery efforts and is applicable to several motifs commonly used in medicinal chemistry. Computational investigation supported a cyclic half-chair transition state to rationalize the high selectivity in benzyl systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amines
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
  • Organometallic Compounds*
  • Zirconium*

Substances

  • Zirconocene dichloride
  • Zirconium
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Amines