Rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric arylation of N-(tert-butanesulfinyl)imines with sodium tetraarylborates

Stereoselective Synthesis of α-Disubstituted β-Homoprolines

An efficient enantioselective synthesis of chiral α-disubstituted β-homoprolines was developed, starting with the stereodivergent allylation of chiral N-tert-butanesulfinyl imines derived from 4-bromobutanal with indium or zinc and using well-established and reliable synthetic transformations. This methodology allows the easy introduction of different substituents at the α-position of the pyrrolidine scaffold and is characterized by the possibility of switching the absolute configuration of the newly formed stereocenter either by changing the configuration of the tert-butanesufinamide chiral auxiliary or by using a different stereodivergent allylation protocol with the same auxiliary.

Rapid Synthesis of α-Chiral Piperidines via a Highly Diastereoselective Continuous Flow Protocol

A practical continuous flow protocol has been developed using readily accessible N-(tert-butylsulfinyl)-bromoimine and Grignard reagents, providing various functionalized piperidines (34 examples) in superior results (typically >80% yield and with >90:10 dr) within minutes. The high-performance scale-up is smoothly carried out, and efficient synthesis of the drug precursor further showcases its utility. This flow process offers rapid and scalable access to enantioenriched α-substituted piperidines.

Rh-Catalyzed diastereoselective addition of arylboronic acids to α-keto N-tert-butanesulfinyl aldimines: synthesis of α-amino ketones

Herein we present a diastereoselective addition of arylboronic acids to α-keto N-tert-butanesulfinyl aldimines catalyzed by a Rh(i) catalyst.

Construction of an α-chiral pyrrolidine library with a rapid and scalable continuous flow protocol

The cost-efficient development of an α-chiral pyrrolidine library is achieved via a rapid continuous flow protocol under mild conditions.

N-tert-Butanesulfinyl imines in the asymmetric synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles

The synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles, including natural alkaloids and other compounds presenting different types of biological activities have proved to be successful employing chiral sulfinyl imines derived from tert-butanesulfinamide. These imines are versatile chiral auxiliaries and have been extensively used as eletrophiles in a wide range of reactions. The electron-withdrawing sulfinyl group facilitates the nucleophilic addition of organometallic compounds to the iminic carbon with high diastereoisomeric excess and the free amines obtained after an easy removal of the tert-butanesulfinyl group can be transformed into enantioenriched nitrogen-containing heterocycles. The goal of this review is to the highlight enantioselective syntheses of heterocycles involving the use of chiral N-tert-butanesulfinyl imines as reaction intermediates, including the synthesis of several natural products. The synthesis of nitrogen-containing heterocycles in which the nitrogen atom is not provided by the chiral imine will not be considered in this review. The sections are organized according to the size of the heterocycles. The present work will comprehensively cover the most pertinent contributions to this research area from 2012 to 2020. We regret in advance that some contributions are excluded in order to maintain a concise format.

Asymmetric synthesis of 1-substituted 2-azaspiro[3.3]heptanes: important motifs for modern drug discovery

Highly diastereoselective addition of ethyl cyclobutanecarboxylate anions to Davis-Ellman's imines is reported. This methodology afforded the preparation of enantiomerically and diastereomerically pure 1-substituted 2-azaspiro[3.3]heptanes. This three-step procedure proceeded efficiently (yield up to 90%) and diastereoselectively (dr values up to 98 : 2). This methodology is applicable to the synthesis of 1-substituted 2-azaspiro[3.4]octane and 1-substituted 2-azaspiro[3.5]nonane.

Asymmetric Synthesis 1-Substituted 2,6-Diazaspiro[3.3]heptanes through Addition of 3-Azetidinecarboxylate Anions to Davis-Ellman Imines

Asymmetric synthesis of 1-substituted 2,6-diazaspiro[3.3]heptane is described. This methodology affords excellent yields (up to 89%) and high diastereomeric ratios ( dr up to 98:2) and delivers differentially protected amines within the products.

Umpolung Synthesis of Vicinal Diamines: Diastereoselective Addition of 2-Azaallyl Anions to Davis-Ellman's Imines

A highly regioselective and diastereoselective addition of 2-azaallyl anions to N- tert-butanesulfinylimines is reported. This methodology affords the preparation of enantiomerically and diastereomerically pure vicinal diamines bearing two adjacent stereocenters. Reactions proceed efficiently (yield up to 94%), diastereoselectively ( dr values up to 98:2:0:0), and site-selectively to deliver products with differentiated amino groups.

Diastereoselective addition of anisoles to N-tert-butanesulfinyl imines via four-membered lithium cycles

A highly regio- and diastereo-selective ortho-lithiation/addition of anisoles to N-tert-butanesulfinyl imines resulting in the selective formation of chiral α-branched amines is described.

Asymmetric intramolecular aza-Michael reaction in desymmetrization processes. Total synthesis of hippodamine and epi-hippodamine

The use of chiral sulfinyl amines both as nucleophilic nitrogen sources and chiral inducers has been described for the first time in a desymmetrization-type process involving an intramolecular aza-Michael reaction. The resulting product was employed as an advanced intermediate in the total synthesis of the natural product hippodamine and epi-hippodamine, taking advantage of the special symmetry of these molecules. In addition, this is the first asymmetric total synthesis of epi-hippodamine.

A protocol for an asymmetric synthesis of γ-amino acids

A new and practical method for the asymmetric synthesis of γ-amino acids from β,γ-butenolides by an in situ esterification, condensation, and reduction in a one-pot procedure is described. This method is quite general for the preparation of both enantiomers of aryl or aliphatic γ-amino acids in high yields. These γ-amino-acid derivatives were also shown to be versatile synthetic intermediates for further transformations by their conversion to γ-lactams, δ-amino alcohols, and hydrolysis products in high yields with no racemization.