Bifunctional thiophosphinamide catalyzed highly enantioselective Michael addition of acetone to (E)-2-azido β-nitrostyrenes and the subsequent reductive cyclization

We have proven that primary amine/thiophosphinamide incorporating (1R,2R)-1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-diamine is an efficient catalyst for the asymmetric Michael addition of acetone to (E)-2-azido β-nitrostyrenes. Under the optimal reaction conditions, the corresponding Michael addition products were obtained in excellent yields with almost perfect stereocontrol. Upon treatment with Et₃SiH/InCl₃, the Michael addition products could be successfully converted to the related 2-methyltetrahydroquinolines in acceptable yields with moderate to excellent diastereoselectivity and without appreciable loss in optical purity. This process provides a highly enantioselective pathway for the synthesis of biologically important 2-methyltetrahydroquinoline derivatives.