Title: Photocatalytic enantioselective α-aminoalkylation of acyclic imine derivatives by a chiral copper catalyst

Authors:

Bowen Han , Yanjun Li , Ying Yu & Lei Gong

Abstract:

Copper-based asymmetric photocatalysis has great potential in the development of green synthetic approaches to chiral molecules. However, there are several formidable challenges associated with such a conception. These include the relatively weak visible light absorption, short excited-state lifetimes, incompatibility of different catalytic cycles, and the difficulty of the stereocontrol. We report here an effective strategy by means of single-electron-transfer (SET) initiated formation of radicals and photoactive intermediates to address the longstanding problems. Through elaborate selection of well-matched reaction partners, the chiral bisoxazoline copper catalyst is engaged in the SET process, photoredox catalysis, Lewis acid activation and asymmetric induction. Accordingly, a highly enantioselective photocatalytic αaminoalkylation of acyclic imine derivatives has been accessed. This strategy sheds light on how to make use of diverse functions of a single transition metal catalyst in one reaction, and offers an economic and simplified approach to construction of highly valuable chiral vicinal diamines.

Published: 23 August 2019

Full Link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-11688-7.pdf