Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Allylic Azides via Asymmetric Dihydroxylation

J Am Chem Soc. 2017 Jun 14;139(23):7737-7740. doi: 10.1021/jacs.7b04203. Epub 2017 Jun 5.

Abstract

The catalytic enantioselective preparation of densely functionalized amines is a fundamental synthetic challenge. To address this challenge, we report for the first time that the Winstein rearrangement can be enlisted as the racemization pathway in a dynamic kinetic resolution of allylic azides. Alkene functionalization by Sharpless dihydroxylation affords tertiary azides in excellent enantioselectivity (up to 99:1 er). This approach establishes the chirality of the tertiary azide, obviates the need to directly forge either a congested C-N or C-C bond at the new nitrogenous stereocenter, and establishes additional functionality. Several examples demonstrate further elaboration of this functionality.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't