Catalytic Asymmetric Arylation of α-Aryl-α-diazoacetates with Aniline Derivatives

J Am Chem Soc. 2015 Jul 15;137(27):8700-3. doi: 10.1021/jacs.5b05086. Epub 2015 Jul 6.

Abstract

The asymmetric arylation of diazo compounds with aniline derivatives cooperatively catalyzed by an achiral dirhodium complex and a chiral spiro phosphoric acid is reported. The reaction provides a new method for the facile synthesis of α-diarylacetates, versatile building blocks with a diaryl tertiary chiral center, in good yields (up to 95%) with high enantioselectivities (up to 97% ee). Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest that the arylation reaction proceeds via a stepwise process, in which the enantioselectivity is controlled by a chiral spiro phosphoric acid-promoted proton shift in a zwitterionic intermediate. This work represents the first asymmetric intermolecular C(sp(2))-H bond insertion reaction with arenes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetates / chemistry*
  • Aniline Compounds / chemistry*
  • Azo Compounds / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Hydrocarbons, Aromatic / chemical synthesis*
  • Hydrocarbons, Aromatic / chemistry
  • Models, Molecular
  • Phosphoric Acids / chemistry
  • Rhodium / chemistry
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Acetates
  • Aniline Compounds
  • Azo Compounds
  • Hydrocarbons, Aromatic
  • Phosphoric Acids
  • Rhodium
  • phosphoric acid
  • aniline