Chiral Indolizidine Synthesis through the Ir-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Cyclic Pyridinium Salts

Ir-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of N-Fused Heteroarenes with High Nitrogen Density: An Access to Chiral 2,5-Disubstituted 5,6-Dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a][1,2,4]triazolo[5,1-c]pyrazines

A highly enantioselective Ir-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of 2,5-disubstituted pyrrolo[1,2-a][1,2,4]triazolo[5,1-c]pyrazines containing four nitrogen atoms has been first realized. Under additive-free conditions, a variety of chiral 2,5-disubstituted 5,6-dihydropyrrolo[1,2-a][1,2,4]triazolo[5,1-c]pyrazines can be afforded in high yields (86-98%) with excellent enantioselectivities of up to 99% ee. This method provides a straightforward strategy for the efficient synthesis of chiral multinitrogen polyheterocyclic compounds.

An Asymmetric Hydrogenation/N-Alkylation Sequence for a Step-Economical Route to Indolizidines and Quinolizidines

The direct catalytic asymmetric hydrogenation of pyridines for the synthesis of piperidines remains a challenge. Herein, we report a one-pot asymmetric hydrogenation of pyridines with subsequent N-alkylation using a traceless Brønsted acid activation strategy. Catalyzed by an iridium-BINAP complex, the substrates undergo ketone reduction, cyclization and pyridine hydrogenation in sequence to form indolizidines and quinolizidines. The absolute configuration of the stereocenter of the alcohol is retained and influences the formation of the second stereocenter. Experimental and theoretical mechanistic studies reveal that the chloride anion and certain noncovalent interactions govern the stereoselectivity of the cascade reaction throughout the catalytic process.

Ruthenium(II)-Catalyzed Grignard-Type Nucleophilic Addition of C(sp2)-H Bonds to Unactivated Aldehydes

The Grignard-type nucleophilic addition of C(sp²)-H bonds to aldehydes catalyzed by high-oxidation-state transition metal complexes is limited to activated aldehydes. Herein, we report the first example of Grignard-type nucleophilic addition of C(sp²)-H bonds to unactivated aldehydes catalyzed by high-oxidation-state ruthenium(II). The reaction has mild reaction conditions and good functional group tolerance. The corresponding alcohol products are obtained in good to excellent yields.

Recent Developments in Enantio- and Diastereoselective Hydrogenation of N-Heteroaromatic Compounds

The enantioselective and diastereoselective hydrogenation of N-heteroaromatic compounds is an efficient strategy to access chirally enriched cyclic heterocycles, which often possess highly bio-active properties. This strategy, however, has only been...