Chiral Aluminum Complex Controls Enantioselective Nickel-Catalyzed Synthesis of Indenes: C-CN Bond Activation

A chiral aluminum complex controlled, enantioselective nickel-catalyzed domino reaction of aryl nitriles and alkynes proceeding by C-CN bond activation was developed. The reaction provides various indenes, bearing chiral all-carbon quaternary centers, under mild reaction conditions in yields of 32 to 91 % and ee values within the 73-98 % range. The reaction mechanism and aspects of stereocontrol were investigated by DFT calculations.

Chemoenzymatic flow cascade for the synthesis of protected mandelonitrile derivatives

Integrated two-step chemoenzymatic continuous flow process for the synthesis of protected cyanohydrins from aldehydes.

Aminomethylation of BINOL with methyleneiminium salts

A new method for synthesizing chiral 3,3′-bis(N,N-dialkylaminomethyl)-1,1′-bi-2-naphthols with high enantiomeric excess is described. The procedure consists of bis-lithiation of diprotected (S)- or (R)-1,1′-bis(2-naphthol) followed by treatment of the intermediate with methyleneiminium salts. Mild reaction conditions prevent racemization and provide 3,3′-bis(N,N-dialkylaminomethyl)-1,1′-bi-2-naphthols or 3-(N,N-dialkylaminomethyl)-1,1′-bi-2-naphthols with an enantiomeric excess >99%.