Asymmetric Synthesis of Heterocyclic γ‐Amino‐Acid and Diamine Derivatives by Three‐Component Radical Cascade Reactions

An enantioselective three‐component radical reaction of quinolines or pyridines with enamides and α‐bromo carbonyl compounds by dual photoredox and chiral Brønsted acid catalysis is presented. A range of valuable chiral γ‐amino‐acid derivatives are accessible in high chemo‐, regio‐, and enantioselectivity from simple, readily available starting materials under mild reaction conditions. Using the same strategy, the asymmetric synthesis of 1,2‐diamine derivatives is also reported.     

Catalytic,Enantioselective α‐Alkylation of Azlactones with Nonconjugated Alkenes by Directed Nucleopalladation

A palladium(II)‐catalyzed enantioselective α‐alkylation of azlactones with nonconjugated alkenes is described. The reaction employs a chiral BINOL‐derived phosphoric acid as the source of stereoinduction, and a cleavable bidentate directing group appended to the alkene to control the regioselectivity and stabilize the nucleopalladated alkylpalladium(II) intermediate in the catalytic cycle. A wide range of azlactones were found to be compatible under the optimal reaction conditions to afford products bearing α,α‐disubstituted α‐amino‐acid derivatives with high yields and high enantioselectivity.     

One‐Pot Multicomponent Synthesis of β‐Amino Amides

Multicomponent reactions are excellent tools for rapid generation of small molecules with broad chemical diversity and molecular complexity. Herein, a novel one‐pot multicomponent synthesis of β‐amino amides from aldehydes, anilines, carboxylic acids and ynamides has been successfully developed. This process is practical and efficient to unravel synthetic utility and scalability. Moreover, an isotope labeling reaction was conducted to elucidate a plausible reaction mechanism.     

Allyl‐Palladium‐Catalyzed α,β‐Dehydrogenation of Carboxylic Acids via Enediolates

A highly practical and step‐economic α,β‐dehydrogenation of carboxylic acids via enediolates is reported through the use of allyl‐palladium catalysis. Dianions underwent smooth dehydrogenation when generated using Zn(TMP)₂⋅2 LiCl as a base in the presence of excess ZnCl₂, thus avoiding the typical decarboxylation pathway of these substrates. Direct access to 2‐enoic acids allows derivatization by numerous approaches.