Using the Competing Enantioselective Conversion Method to Assign the Absolute Configuration of Cyclic Amines with Bode's Acylation Reagents

(4+3) Annulation of Donor‐Acceptor Cyclopropanes and Azadienes: Highly Stereoselective Synthesis of Azepanones

Azepanes are important seven‐membered heterocycles, which are present in numerous natural and synthetic compounds. However, the development of convergent synthetic methods to access them remains challenging. Herein, we report the Lewis acid catalyzed (4+3) annulative addition of aryl and amino donor‐acceptor cyclopropanes with 2‐aza‐1,3‐dienes. Densely substituted azepane derivatives were obtained in good to excellent yields and with high diastereoselectivity. The reaction occurred under mild conditions with ytterbium triflate as the catalyst. The use of copper triflate with a trisoxazoline (Tox) ligand led to an enantioselective transformation. The obtained cycloadducts were convenient substrates for a series of further modifications, showing the synthetic utility of these compounds.

Kinetic Resolution of 2-Aryl-4-methylenepiperidines toward Enantioenriched Functionalizable Piperidine Fragments

The base n-BuLi with sparteine allows a kinetic resolution of N-Boc-2-aryl-4-methylenepiperidines. The 2,2-disubstituted products and recovered starting materials were isolated with high enantiomeric ratios. From VT-NMR spectroscopy and DFT studies, the rate of rotation of the N-Boc group is fast. Lithiation and trapping of the enantioenriched starting materials gave 2,2-disubstituted piperidines with retention of stereochemistry. Functionalization of the 4-methylene group led to a variety of 2,4-disubstituted piperidines without loss of enantiopurity that could be useful building blocks for drug discovery.

Acylative Kinetic Resolution of Cyclic Hydroxamic Acids

Racemic cyclic hydroxamic acids bearing an aryl substituent adjacent to the hydroxyl group undergo effective acylative kinetic resolution promoted by benzotetramisole (BTM).