Organocatalyzed enantioselective desymmetrization of diols in the preparation of chiral building blocks

Asymmetric Total Synthesis of Alstrostine G Utilizing a Catalytic Asymmetric Desymmetrization Strategy

A highly effective enantioselective monobenzoylation of 1,3-diols has been developed for the synthesis of 1,1-disubstituted tetrahydro-β-carbolines. The chemistry has been successfully applied to the asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-alstrostine G, which also features a cascade Heck/hemiamination reaction enabling facile construction of the pivotal pentacyclic core.

Brønsted-Acid-Catalyzed Enantioselective Desymmetrization of 1,3-Diols: Access to Chiral β-Amino Alcohol Derivatives

Herein, we describe a Brønsted-acid-catalyzed enantioselective desymmetrization of 1,3-diols with alkynes through a hydroalkoxylation/hydrolysis process. The reaction leads to the atom-economical synthesis of valuable chiral β-amino alcohols under mild reaction conditions. Further synthetic transformations based on the β-amino alcohol moiety provide divergent approaches toward chiral N-containing heterocycles.

Metal-Catalyzed Enantioconvergent Transformations

Enantioconvergent catalysis has expanded asymmetric synthesis to new methodologies able to convert racemic compounds into a single enantiomer. This review covers recent advances in transition-metal-catalyzed transformations, such as radical-based cross-coupling of racemic alkyl electrophiles with nucleophiles or racemic alkylmetals with electrophiles and reductive cross-coupling of two electrophiles mainly under Ni/bis(oxazoline) catalysis. C-H functionalization of racemic electrophiles or nucleophiles can be performed in an enantioconvergent manner. Hydroalkylation of alkenes, allenes, and acetylenes is an alternative to cross-coupling reactions. Hydrogen autotransfer has been applied to amination of racemic alcohols and C-C bond forming reactions (Guerbet reaction). Other metal-catalyzed reactions involve addition of racemic allylic systems to carbonyl compounds, propargylation of alcohols and phenols, amination of racemic 3-bromooxindoles, allenylation of carbonyl compounds with racemic allenolates or propargyl bromides, and hydroxylation of racemic 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds.

Copper-Catalyzed Enantioselective Desymmetric Protosilylation of Prochiral Diynes: Access to Optically Functionalized Tertiary Alcohols

In this protocol, a copper-catalyzed desymmetric protosilylation of prochiral diynes was developed. The corresponding products were obtained in moderate to high yields and enantiomeric ratios. This approach provides a simple method for synthesizing functionalized chiral tertiary alcohols in the presence of a chiral pyridine-bisimidazoline (Pybim) ligand.

Organocatalytic Access to Tetrasubstituted Chiral Carbons Integrating Functional Groups

Three-dimensional organic structures containing sp³ carbons bearing four non-hydrogen substituents can provide drug-like molecules. Although such complex structures are challenging targets in synthetic organic chemistry, efficient synthetic approaches will open a new chemical space for pharmaceutical candidates. This review provides an account of our recent achievements in developing organocatalytic approaches to attractive molecular platforms based on optically active sp³ carbons integrating four different functional groups. These methodologies include asymmetric cycloetherification and cyanation of multifunctional ketones, both of which take advantage of the mild characteristics of organocatalytic activation. Enzyme-like but non-enzymatic organocatalytic systems can be used to precisely manufacture molecules containing complex chiral structures without substrate specificity problems. In addition, these catalytic systems control not only stereoselectivity but also site-selectivity and do not induce side reactions even from substrates with rich functionality.

Catalytic Asymmetric β-Oxygen Elimination

A catalytic enantioselective β-O-elimination reaction is reported in the form of a zirconium-catalyzed asymmetric opening of meso-ketene acetals. Furthermore, a regiodivergent β-O-elimination is demonstrated. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions, at low catalyst loadings, and produces chiral monoprotected cis-1,2-diols in good yield and enantiomeric excess. The combination with a Mitsunobu reaction or a one-pot hydroboration/Suzuki reaction sequence then gives access to additional diol and aminoalcohol building blocks. A stereochemical analysis supported by DFT calculations reveals that a high selectivity in the hydrozirconation step is also important for achieving high enantioselectivity, although it does not constitute the asymmetric step. This insight is crucial for the future development of related asymmetric β-elimination reactions.

Chiral Symmetry Breaking of Monoacylated Anhydroerythritols and meso-1,2-Diols through Crystallization-Induced Deracemization

We developed a chiral symmetry breaking method for monoacylated meso diols. The X-ray crystal structure analysis of monoacylated 1,4-anhydroerythritols, meso cyclic diols with a cis configuration, revealed that the O-(p-anisoyl) derivative crystallized as a racemic conglomerate of the P2₁ 2₁ 2₁ crystal system. It was confirmed that the substrate racemized by intramolecular transfer of the acyl group in the presence of a catalytic amount of base. Evaporating the solvent gradually from the solution or Viedma ripening to promote crystallization-induced deracemization efficiently led to enantiomer crystals. These results provide the first successful example of asymmetric expression and amplification by deracemization of sugar derivatives without an external chemical chiral source. Furthermore, we applied this methodology to acyclic meso-1,2-diols. Three O-monoacylated substrates were successfully deracemized to 99 % ee by Viedma ripening. We also developed asymmetric desymmetrization of meso-1,2-diols by combining acylation and crystallization-induced deracemization.

Recent Advances in Enantioselective Desymmetrizations of Prochiral Oxetanes

Strain relief of oxetanes offers a plethora of opportunities for the synthesis of chiral alcohols and ethers. In this context, enantioselective desymmetrization has been identified as a powerful tool to construct molecular complexity and this has led to the development of elegant strategies on the basis of transition metal, Lewis acid, and Brønsted acid catalysis. This review highlights recent examples that harness the inherent reactivity of prochiral oxetanes and offers an outlook on the immense possibilities for synthetic application.

Enantioselective Desymmetrization of 2-Aryl-1,3-propanediols by Direct O-Alkylation with a Rationally Designed Chiral Hemiboronic Acid Catalyst That Mitigates Substrate Conformational Poisoning

Enantioselective desymmetrization by direct monofunctionalization of prochiral diols is a powerful strategy to prepare valuable synthetic intermediates in high optical purity. Boron acids can activate diols toward nucleophilic additions; however, the design of stable chiral catalysts remains a challenge and highlights the need to identify new chemotypes for this purpose. Herein, the discovery and optimization of a bench-stable chiral 9-hydroxy-9,10-boroxarophenanthrene catalyst is described and applied in the highly enantioselective desymmetrization of 2-aryl-1,3-diols using benzylic electrophiles under operationally simple, ambient conditions. Nucleophilic activation and discrimination of the enantiotopic hydroxy groups on the diol substrate occurs via a defined chairlike six-membered anionic complex with the hemiboronic heterocycle. The optimal binaphthyl-based catalyst 1g features a large aryloxytrityl group to effectively shield one of the two prochiral hydroxy groups on the diol complex, whereas a strategically placed "methyl blocker" on the boroxarophenanthrene unit mitigates the deleterious effect of a competing conformation of the complexed diol that compromised the overall efficiency of the desymmetrization process. This methodology affords monoalkylated products in enantiomeric ratios equal or over 95:5 for a wide range of 1,3-propanediols with various 2-aryl/heteroaryl groups.

Desymmetrization of gem-diols via water-assisted organocatalytic enantio- and diastereoselective cycloetherification

The first desymmetrization of gem-diols forming chiral hemiketal carbons was accomplished via organocatalytic enantio- and diastereoselective cycloetherification, which afforded optically active tetrahydropyrans containing a chiral hemiketal carbon and tetrasubstituted stereocenters bearing synthetically versatile fluorinated groups. The desymmetrization of silanediols was also demonstrated as an asymmetric route to chiral silicon centers.

Computational Design of Enhanced Enantioselectivity in Chiral Phosphoric Acid-Catalyzed Oxidative Desymmetrization of 1,3-Diol Acetals

A general method for the highly enantioselective desymmetrization of 2-alkyl-substituted 1,3-diols is presented. A combination of computational and experimental studies has been utilized to understand the origin of the stereocontrol of oxidative desymmetrization of 1,3-diol benzylideneacetals. DFT calculations demonstrate that the acetal protecting group is highly influential for high enantioselectivity, and a simple but effective new protecting group has been designed. The desymmetrization reactions proceed with high enantioselectivity for a variety of substrates. Moreover, the reaction conditions are also shown to be effective for desymmetrization of 2,2-dialkyl-substituted 1,3-diols, which provides chiral products bearing acyclic all-carbon quaternary stereocenters. The method has been applied to the formal synthesis of indoline alkaloids.

Selective Monoacylation of Diols and Asymmetric Desymmetrization of Dialkyl meso-Tartrates Using 2-Pyridyl Esters as Acylating Agents and Metal Carboxylates as Catalysts

With 2-pyridyl benzoates as acylating agents and Zn(OAc)₂ as a catalyst, 1,2-diols, 1,3-diols, and catechol were selectively monoacylated. Furthermore, the highly enantioselective desymmetrization of meso-tartrates was achieved for the first time, utilizing 2-pyridyl esters and NiBr₂/AgOPiv/Ph-BOX in CH₃CN or CuCl₂/AgOPiv/Ph-BOX in EtOAc catalyst systems (up to 96% ee). The latter catalyst system was also effective for the kinetic resolution of dibenzyl dl-tartrate.

Chiral benzazaboroles as catalysts for enantioselective sulfonylation of cis-1,2-diols

A newly developed benzazaborole smoothly catalyzed the enantioselective sulfonylation of cis-1,2-diols. Using a chiral benzazaborole/NMI co-catalyst system, various sulfonate esters were prepared in high yields with good enantioselectivities.

Asymmetric Cycloetherification of in Situ Generated Cyanohydrins through the Concomitant Construction of Three Chiral Carbon Centers

The organocatalytic enantio- and diastereoselective cycloetherification of in situ generated cyanohydrins through the concomitant construction of three chiral carbon centers is reported. This protocol facilitates the concise synthesis of optically active tetrahydropyran derivatives, which are ubiquitous scaffolds found in various bioactive compounds, through the simultaneous construction of multiple bonds and stereogenic centers, including tetrasubstituted chiral carbons. The resulting products also contain multiple synthetically important functional groups, which expand their possible usefulness as chiral building blocks.

Synthesis and Desymmetrization of meso Tricyclic Systems Derived from Benzene Oxide

Ozonolysis of the Diels-Alder adducts derived from benzene oxides and N-alkylmaleimides resulted in fully substituted, meso bicyclic systems bearing six contiguous stereocenters, isolated as diols upon reductive workup with NaBH₄. Variation in the workup allowed for isolation of two different diastereoisomers, through double epimerization of the imide stereocenters. Desymmetrization of the resulting meso diols via asymmetric nucleophilic epoxide opening and acylation reactions provided access to highly substituted, enantioenriched fused rings.

Synthesis of substituted piperidines by enantioselective desymmetrizing intramolecular aza-Michael reactions

An organocatalytic enantioselective intramolecular aza-Michael reaction has been described for the first time in a desymmetrization process employing substrates different from cyclohexadienones.

N-Heterocyclic carbene promoted enantioselective desymmetrization reaction of diarylalkane-bisphenols

An enantioselective NHC-catalyzed desymmetrization reaction of diarylalkane-bisphenols with aldehydes was reported under the guidance of linear free energy relationships (LFERs).

Dual photoredox and nickel-catalyzed desymmetric C–O coupling reactions: visible light-mediated enantioselective synthesis of 1,4-benzodioxanes

Chiral 2,2′-bipyridine ligands are key to success in an enantioselective desymmetric C–O cross coupling reaction via dual visible light photoredox and nickel catalysis, resulting in chiral 1,4-benzodioxanes under mild reaction conditions.

Alkylative kinetic resolution of vicinal diols under phase-transfer conditions: a chiral ammonium borinate catalysis

Alkylative kinetic resolution of vicinal alcohols is realized by a cooperative chiral ammonium borinate catalysis.

Herein, we report the first alkylative kinetic resolution of vicinal alcohols realized by cooperative use of a chiral quaternary ammonium salt and an achiral borinic acid. In addition, a catalytic regioselective alkylation of a secondary alcohol in the presence of an unprotected primary one is presented, emphasizing the unique selectivity and potential of this ammonium borinate catalysis.

Desymmetrization of Bisallylic Amides through Catalytic Enantioselective Bromocyclization with BINAP Monoxide

We report the first desymmetrization of bisallylic amides by enantioselective bromocyclization with BINAP monoxide as a catalyst. Depending upon the substitution pattern of the alkene moieties, densely functionalized, optically active oxazoline or dihydrooxazine compounds were obtained in a highly stereoselective manner. The remaining alkene moiety was subjected to various functional group manipulations to afford a diverse array of chiral molecules with multiple stereogenic centers.

Iridium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Dearomatization by a Desymmetrization Strategy

A desymmetrization strategy was developed involving iridium-catalyzed allylic dearomatization of indoles. The six-membered-ring spiroindolenines contain three contiguous stereogenic centers, including an all-carbon quaternary center, and were obtained in up to 99 % yield with 99 % ee and >95:5 d.r. When treated with a catalytic amount of tosylic acid, six-membered spiroindolenine undergoes an unprecedented six-to-seven-membered ring expansion, affording the corresponding hexahydroazepino[4,5-b]indole.

Enantioselective Synthesis of Chiral Oxygen-Containing Heterocycles Using Copper-Catalyzed Aryl C-O Coupling Reactions via Asymmetric Desymmetrization

An enantioselective desymmetric aryl C-O coupling reaction was demonstrated under the catalysis of CuI and a chiral cyclic diamine ligand. A series of chiral oxygen-containing heterocyclic units such as 2,3-dihydrobenzofurans, chromans, and 1,4-benzodioxanes with tertiary or quaternary stereocarbon centers were synthesized with this method. DFT calculations were also carried out for a better understanding of the model for enantiocontrol.

A catalytic enantioselective approach to tetrol bearing vicinal all-carbon quaternary stereogenic centers

The first highly enantioselective catalytic protocol for selective manipulation of tetrol benzylidene acetals through chiral phosphoric acid mediated oxidative desymmetrization is reported.

Carbene-catalyzed desymmetrization of 1,3-diols: access to optically enriched tertiary alkyl chlorides

The introduction of a chlorine atom to a carbon center in an enantioselective manner via conventional C-Cl bond formation is difficult. Here we report a new approach to this class of tertiary alkyl chlorides with high optical purities. Instead of forming a new C-Cl bond, our approach involves carbene-catalyzed desymmetrization of 2-chloro-1,3-diols as the key step to set up the chiral carbon center with excellent enantiomeric excess.