A highly enantioselective intramolecular Heck reaction with a monodentate ligand.

An efficient enantioselective intramolecular Heck reaction of cyclohexadienones, using readily available and modular TADDOL-based mono- and bidentate phosphoramidites as chiral ligands and not requiring any additives, has been developed. Excellent enantioselectivities up to 96% ee are reached for the first time in a Heck reaction with monodentate ligands.     

Phosphoramidite ligands for the enantioselective iridium-catalyzed asymmetric hydroboration of meso-bicyclic hydrazines

Twenty phosphoramidites or phosphite ligands have been screened in the iridium-catalyzed hydroboration of a meso-bicyclic hydrazine. Enantiomeric excesses of up to 67% could be obtained with moderate to good yields. Although bidentate ligands are believed to be more efficient in transition metal-catalyzed asymmetric hydroboration, this study shows that monodentate ligands have to be investigated for further development of this type of reaction.     

Enantioselective RH-catalyzed hydrogenation of enol acetates and enol carbamates with monodentate phosphoramidites

[reaction: see text] Monodentate phosphoramidites, in particular PipPhos and its octahydro analogue, are excellent ligands for the rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of aromatic enol acetates, enol carbamates, and 2-dienol carbamates up to 98% ee. These latter substrates were hydrogenated selectively to the carbamates of the allyl alcohol.     

Solid-phase parallel synthesis of phosphite ligands

Various routes for the synthesis of polymer-bound phosphites and phosphoramidites have been investigated. In the presence of a suitable activator the supported phosphoramidites react cleanly with alcohols to give the corresponding monodentate phosphite ligands in solution. We have applied this novel solid-phase route in the parallel synthesis of several monodentate chiral and achiral phosphite ligands.     

Rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric conjugate additions of boronic acids using monodentate phosphoramidite ligands

Monodentate phosphoramidites have been used for the first time as chiral ligands in the Rh-catalyzed enantioselective conjugate addition of arylboronic acids to enones, unsaturated esters, lactones, and nitro alkenes. High reaction rates and ee's up to 89% have been obtained.     

Nickel catalysed asymmetric cycloisomerisation of diethyl diallylmalonate

Cationic nickel catalysts with monodentate phosphoramidites and Wilke's azaphospholene as ligands are highly regio- and enantioselective catalysts for the cycloisomerisation of diethyl diallylmalonate.     

Enantioselective copper-catalyzed allylic alkylation with dialkylzincs using phosphoramidite ligands

[reaction: see text]. In the presence of a catalytic amount of copper salts, cinnamyl halides undergo a regio- and enantioselective S(N)2' alkylation with dialkylzincs using chiral phosphoramidites as ligands. An S(N)2':S(N)2 ratio of 85:15 and enantiomeric excesses up to 77% for the chiral S(N)2' products are found. Variation of solvent and reaction temperature revealed that the highest regio- and enantioselectivities are found using coordinating solvents of -40 degrees C.     

Ligand-induced acceleration of the intramolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition between alkynes and alkylidenecyclopropanes

[chemical reaction: see text]. Bulky phosphite L6 and several sterically robust phosphoramidites are excellent ligands for promoting the Pd-catalyzed [3 + 2] intramolecular cycloaddition between alkylidenecyclopropanes and alkynes. The use of these ligands allows for low catalyst loadings and facilitates the otherwise sluggish cycloaddition of hept-6-ynylidenecyclopropane systems.     

Instant ligand libraries. Parallel synthesis of monodentate phosphoramidites and in situ screening in asymmetric hydrogenation

Chiral phosphoramidites have been identified as excellent ligands for various metal-catalyzed enantioselective transformations. Taking advantage of their easy preparation and modular nature, we designed a fully automated protocol for the parallel preparation of a library of 32 phosphoramidites and its screening in asymmetric hydrogenation of amino acid precursors. This initial study led to the discovery of a new ligand for the preparation of an enantiopure beta(3)-homoalanine precursor. [structure--see text]     

Highly enantioselective copper-catalyzed allylic alkylation with atropos phosphoramidites bearing a D2-symmetric biphenyl backbone

A novel class of atropos dibridged biphenyl phosphoramidites bearing a D₂-symmetric biphenyl backbone was prepared and applied as chiral ligands in the copper-catalyzed allylic alkylation with Grignard reagent. The alkylation products were obtained in quantitative yields with high regioselectivities up to 94:6 of S_N2′/S_N2 ratio and enantiomeric excesses up to 91.1% for S_N2′ products. The unique D₂-symmetric backbone ligands have the advantages of easy preparation and sufficient reusability of their key intermediates from the undesired isomers.     

Chiral bicyclic phosphoramidites--a new class of ligands for asymmetric catalysis

The development of new ligands for catalytic asymmetric C-C bond formation is of great interest to organic synthesis. We describe here a new class of chiral phosphoramidites that embody one or two binaphthol units attached to an achiral azabicyclic [3.3.1] or [3.3.0] framework. These ligands were easily accessible from (R)1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2'-dioxaphosphorchloridite (4) and the corresponding heterobicyclic core 1, 2, or 3. They were employed in enantioselective Cu-catalyzed additions of different dialkylzinc reagents to cyclic and acyclic enones. The chiral ketones were obtained with an enantiomeric ratio up to 91:9. The choice of the best ligand proved to be strongly dependent on each substrate. In addition, ligand 6 was found to be the most suitable for Rh-catalyzed hydrogenations of a,beta-unsaturated esters, giving rise to dimethyl 2-methylsuccinate and methyl N-acetylalaninate with enantiomer ratios up to 95:5.     

Structures and Interligand Interaction Pattern of Phosphoramidite Pd Complexes by NMR Spectroscopy: Modulations in Extended Interaction Surfaces as Stereoselection Mode of a Privileged Class of Ligands

During the last decade, phosphoramidites have been established as a so‐called privileged class of ligands in various transition metal catalyses. However, the interactions responsible for their favorable properties have hitherto remained elusive. To address this issue, the formation trends, structural features, and interligand interaction patterns of several trans‐ and cis‐[PdLL′Cl₂] complexes have been investigated by NMR spectroscopy. The energetic contribution of their interligand interactions has been measured experimentally using the supramolecular balance for transition‐metal complexes. The resulting energetics combined with an analysis of the electrostatic potential surfaces reveal that in phosphoramidites not only the aryl groups but the complete (CH)CH₃Ph moieties of the amine side chains form extended quasi‐planar CH‐π and π‐π interaction surfaces. Application of the supramolecular balance has shown that modulations in these extended interaction surfaces cause energetic differences that are relevant to enantioselective catalysis. In addition, the energetics of these interligand interactions are quite independent of the actual structures of the complexes. This is shown by similar formation and aggregation trends of complexes with the same ligand but different structures. The extended quasi‐planar electrostatic interaction surface of the (CH)CH₃Ph moiety explains the known pattern of successful ligand modulation and the substrate specificity of phosphoramidites. Thus, we propose modulations in these extended CH‐π and π‐π interaction areas as a refined stereoselection mode for these ligands. Based on the example of phosphoramidites, this study reveals three general features potentially applicable to various ligands in asymmetric catalysis. First, specific combinations of alkyl and aryl moieties can be used to create extended anisotropic interaction areas. Second, modulations in these interaction surfaces cause energetic differences that are relevant to catalytic applications. Third, bulky substituents with matching complementary interaction surfaces should not only be considered in terms of steric hindrance but also in terms of attractive and repulsive interactions, a feature that may often be underestimated in asymmetric catalysis.     

Rh(I)/DpenPhos catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of enol esters and potassium (E)-3-cyano-5-methylhex-3-enoate

Rh(I) complexes of a class of modular chiral monodentate phosphoramidites were highly efficient for the asymmetric hydrogenation of enol esters bearing α-aryl or α-alkyl groups, to afford the corresponding hydrogenation products in high enantioselectivities (87–95% ee) and reactivities (turnover number up to 10,000). These ligands were also shown to be effective in Rh(I)-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of the potassium salt of (E)-3-cyano-5-methylhex-3-enoate, to give the corresponding product (a precursor to CI-1008) with up to 95% ee and complete conversion of substrate.     

Substituent electronic effects in chiral ligands for asymmetric catalysis

The majority of reports of ligand modification for catalysis have followed from systematic variation of the spatial demands of the catalyst. The focus of this review is to highlight selected major contributions to the area of substituent controlled electronic-tuning of some well known chiral ligands and the subsequent effect of these changes during asymmetric catalysis. The ligand types discussed include the salens, phosphites and phosphoramidites, ferrocene-containing ligands, oxazolines and axially chiral ligands. For each ligand type we attempt analyse the effect of systematic variation of electronics and note whether any improvements in catalyst activity and selectivity are obtained.     

New bidentate chiral phosphoramidites in copper-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-addition of diethylzinc to cyclic α,β-enones: enantioselective tandem 1,4-addition-aldol reactions with 2-cyclopentenone

New bidentate phosphoramidites were prepared starting from α,α,α′,α′-tetraphenyl-2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxolane-4,5-dimethanol (TADDOL) or 1,1′-bi-2-naphthol (BINOL) and either 1,2-ethylene- or 1,3-propylenediamine N,N′-disubstituted with achiral or chiral groups. The use of these ligands in the copper-catalyzed enantioselective conjugate addition of diethylzinc to 2-cyclohexenone and 2-cyclopentenone afforded products with e.e.s of up to 89 and 83%, respectively.     

Regio- and enantioselective copper-catalyzed addition of dialkylzinc reagents to cyclic 2-alkenyl aziridines

The reactions of some organocopper reagents with cyclic 2-alkenyl aziridines were examined. The stereoselectivity of the addition reaction of dialkylzinc can be strongly influenced by the use of phosphoramidites as ligands for copper. Chiral copper complexes of 2,2′-binaphthyl-based phosphoramidites were shown to be highly effective catalysts for the regio- (S_N2′) and anti-stereoselective addition of dialkylzinc reagents to these compounds according to a kinetic resolution protocol. The corresponding new cyclic allylic amine reaction products were obtained with a good enantioselectivity (83% ee).     

Highly enantioselective conjugate additions of potassium organotrifluoroborates to enones by use of monodentate phosphoramidite ligands

The use of phosphoramidite ligands in the rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric conjugate addition of potassium organotrifluoroborates to various enones in the absence of water is described. A systematic search for effective catalysts has been performed by use of high-throughput screening methods. Initially, we have screened reaction conditions, catalyst precursors, and focused ligand libraries. In the next stage we have used the monodentate ligand combination approach, and finally we have made a library of 96 different phosphoramidites by parallel synthesis in the robot (instant ligand libraries) and have tested these in the vinylation of cyclohexenone (up to 88% enantiomeric excess, ee) and 4-phenyl-3-buten-2-one (up to 42% ee). Arylation of cyclohexenone by use of potassium phenyltrifluoroborate gave 3-phenylcyclohexanone with 99% ee.     

Cu‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation of Phosphonates and Phosphine Oxides with Grignard Reagents

An efficient and highly enantioselective copper‐catalyzed allylic alkylation of phosphonates and phosphine oxides with Grignard reagents and Taniaphos or phosphoramidites as chiral ligands is reported. Transformation of these products leads to a variety of new phosphorus‐containing chiral intermediates.     

The combinatorial approach to asymmetric hydrogenation: phosphoramidite libraries, ruthenacycles, and artificial enzymes

For a more general implementation of asymmetric catalysis in the production of fine chemicals, the screening for new catalysts and ligands must be dramatically accelerated. This is possible with a high-throughput experimentation (HTE) approach. However, implementation of this technology requires the rapid preparation of libraries of ligands/catalysts and consequently dictates the use of simple ligands that can be readily synthesised in a robot. In this concept article, we describe how the development of new ligands based on monodentate phosphoramidites enabled the development of an integral HTE protocol for asymmetric hydrogenation. This "instant ligand library" protocol makes it possible to synthesise 96 ligands in one day and screen them the next day. Further diversity is possible by using mixtures of monodentate ligands. This concept has already led to an industrial application. Other concepts, still under development, are based on chiral ruthenacycles as new transfer hydrogenation catalysts and the use of enzymes as ligands for transition-metal complexes.     

Synthesis of Novel Monodentate Phosphoramidites and Their Application in Iridium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenations

New monodentate H₈‐binaphthol based phosphoramidites 6 b–i have been prepared. Starting from (S)‐3,3′‐dibromo‐5,5′,6,6′,7,7′,8,8′‐octahydro‐1,1′‐binaphthyl‐2,2′‐diol 3 , a general protocol for the synthesis of ligands 6 is presented. A small ligand library bearing aryl substituents in the 3,3′‐position of the binaphthol core was synthesized and successfully tested in the iridium‐catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of 2‐amidocinnamates to obtain different α‐amino acid derivatives in up to 99 % ee.