Theoretical and Experimental Optimization of a New Amino Phosphite Ligand Library for Asymmetric Palladium-Catalyzed Allylic Substitution

Enantiodivergent Hydrogenation of Exocyclic α,β-Unsaturated Lactams Enabled by Switching the N-Chirality of Iridium Catalyst

Central chirality is an important chiral element used in the design of chiral ligands and catalysts. Mostly, the attention of organic chemists is focused on developing of chiral ligands with stable stereogenic centers. However, the N-chirality in chiral ligand design has been rarely explored due to its flexibility. Here we demonstrate the design, synthesis, and application of a class of simple P,N-ligands with flexible N-chirality and their derived iridium complexes with fixed N-chiral stereocenters. Both fixed configurations of the N-stereocenter of the iridium complexes could be selectively formed from the same chiral ligand. This pair of diastereoisomeric iridium complexes showed good performance in the enantiodivergent asymmetric hydrogenation of exocyclic α,β-unsaturated lactams. The N-H group plays an impressive role in catalytic activity. Computational studies emphasized the importance of N-chirality and N-H group.

Proofreading experimentally assigned stereochemistry through Q2MM predictions in Pd-catalyzed allylic aminations

The palladium-catalyzed enantioselective allylic substitution by carbon or nitrogen nucleophiles is a key transformation that is particularly useful for the synthesis of bioactive compounds. Unfortunately, the selection of a suitable ligand/substrate combination often requires significant screening effort. Here, we show that a transition state force field (TSFF) derived by the quantum-guided molecular mechanics (Q2MM) method can be used to rapidly screen ligand/substrate combinations. Testing of this method on 77 literature reactions revealed several cases where the computationally predicted major enantiomer differed from the one reported. Interestingly, experimental follow-up led to a reassignment of the experimentally observed configuration. This result demonstrates the power of mechanistically based methods to predict and, where necessary, correct the stereochemical outcome.

Recent Advances in Enantioselective Pd-Catalyzed Allylic Substitution: From Design to Applications

This Review compiles the evolution, mechanistic understanding, and more recent advances in enantioselective Pd-catalyzed allylic substitution and decarboxylative and oxidative allylic substitutions. For each reaction, the catalytic data, as well as examples of their application to the synthesis of more complex molecules, are collected. Sections in which we discuss key mechanistic aspects for high selectivity and a comparison with other metals (with advantages and disadvantages) are also included. For Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution, the catalytic data are grouped according to the type of nucleophile employed. Because of the prominent position of the use of stabilized carbon nucleophiles and heteronucleophiles, many chiral ligands have been developed. To better compare the results, they are presented grouped by ligand types. Pd-catalyzed asymmetric decarboxylative reactions are mainly promoted by PHOX or Trost ligands, which justifies organizing this section in chronological order. For asymmetric oxidative allylic substitution the results are grouped according to the type of nucleophile used.

A readily accessible and modular carbohydrate-derived thioether/selenoether-phosphite ligand library for Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitutions

A large library of thioether/selenoether-phosphite ligands have been tested in the Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic substitution reaction. The presented ligands are derived from cheap and available carbohydrates and they are air-stable solids and easy to handle. Their highly modular nature has made it possible to achieve excellent enantioselectivities in the substitution of a range of hindered and unhindered substrates (ees up to 99% and 91%, respectively). In addition, twelve C-, N- and O-nucleophiles can be efficiently introduced, independently of their nature. Among the whole library, ligands that contain an additional chiral centre in the alkyl backbone chain next to the phosphite group and an enantiopure biaryl phosphite group provided the best enantioselectivities. In general, there is a cooperative effect between these two chiral elements, and therefore, a matched combination between them is necessary to achieve the highest enantioselectivities. However, in the case of cyclic substrates, this cooperative effect is less pronounced and advantageously, both enantiomers of the product can be obtained by setting up the desired configuration of the biaryl phosphite group. Studies of the key Pd-π-allyl intermediates allowed us to better understand the enantioselectivities obtained experimentally.

Spiro Indane-Based Phosphine-Oxazolines as Highly Efficient P,N Ligands for Enantioselective Pd-Catalyzed Allylic Alkylation of Indoles and Allylic Etherification

A series of indane-based phosphine-oxazoline ligands with a spirocarbon stereogenic center were examined for palladium-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation of indoles. Under optimized conditions, high yields (up to 98%) and enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee) were obtained with a broad scope of indole derivatives. The ligand was determined to be the most efficient P,N-ligand for this reaction. Moreover, the ligand was also efficient for Pd-catalyzed asymmetric allylic etherification with hard aliphatic alcohols as nucleophiles.

Oxalamide-based bisdiamidophosphites: synthesis, coordination, and application in asymmetric metallocatalysis

A new group of P*-chiral bisdiamidophosphites has been developed for Pd- and Rh-catalyzed asymmetric reactions with good to excellent enantioselectivities.

Synthesis, characterization and Pd(ii)-coordination chemistry of the ligand tris(quinolin-8-yl)phosphite. Application in the catalytic aerobic oxidation of amines

The ligand P(Oquin)₃ is reported and was coordinated to Pd(ii). This complex is a catalyst precursor for the homocoupling of amines.

Palladium-catalyzed tandem allylic substitution/cyclization and cascade hydrosilylated reduction: the influence of reaction parameters and hydrosilanes on the stereoselectivity

Pd-catalyzed AAA of 1,2-bifunctional nucleophiles and one-pot tandem allylic cyclization/reduction gave corresponding heterocycle products with promising enantioselectivity in good yields.

Adaptable P-X Biaryl Phosphite/Phosphoroamidite-Containing Ligands for Asymmetric Hydrogenation and C-X Bond-Forming Reactions: Ligand Libraries with Exceptionally Wide Substrate Scope

In this personal review, we present our efforts in the design of ligand libraries for the discovery of suitable metal catalysts for asymmetric hydrogenation and C-X bond-forming reactions.

A mechanistic study on multifunctional Fei-Phos ligand-controlled asymmetric palladium-catalyzed allylic substitutions

Mechanistic studies were performed for the clarification of the role of multifunctional Fei-Phos in allylic substitution reactions, in which it is proved to be a diphosphine-controlled catalytic asymmetric allylic alkylation.