Asymmetric organocatalyzed reaction sequence of 2-hydroxy cinnamaldehydes and acyclic N-sulfonyl ketimines to construct diverse chiral bridged polycyclic aminals

2-Hydroxy cinnamaldehydes and acyclic N-sulfonyl ketimines were used as multisite substrates in an iminium catalysis triggered sequential process, leading to diverse chiral bridged polycyclic aminals in a highly regio- and stereoselective manner.

Regioselective addition–elimination of Morita–Baylis–Hillman adducts with 2-naphthol or phenol catalyzed by functionalized ionic liquids: a direct strategy to construct functional alkenes

A highly regioselective addition–elimination of Morita–Baylis–Hillman adducts promoted by base ionic liquids (0.5 mol%) was reported to afford a variety of functional alkenes in excellent yields (up to 99%). This protocol provides a new method to access functional alkenes directly. Recycled base ionic liquids could be reused at least five times and the isolated yield of the product was almost consistent after five runs.

Asymmetric allylic alkylation of Morita-Baylis-Hillman carbonates with α-fluoro-β-keto esters

In the presence of a commercially available Cinchona alkaloid as catalyst, the asymmetric allylic alkylation of Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates, with α-fluoro-β-keto esters as nucleophiles, have been successfully developed. A series of important fluorinated adducts, with chiral quaternary carbon centres containing a fluorine atom, was achieved in good yields (up to 93%), with good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 96% ee) and moderate diastereoselectivities (up to 4:1 dr).

Catalytic diastereoselective tandem conjugate addition-elimination reaction of Morita-Baylis-Hillman C adducts by C-C bond cleavage

Through the cleavage of the C-C bond, the first catalytic tandem conjugate addition-elimination reaction of Morita-Baylis-Hillman C adducts has been presented. Various S(N)2'-like C-, S-, and P-allylic compounds could be obtained with exclusive E configuration in good to excellent yields. The Michael product could also be easily prepared by tuning the β-C-substituent group of the α-methylene ester under the same reaction conditions. Calculated relative energies of various transition states by DFT methods strongly support the observed chemoselectivity and diastereoselectivity.