Chiral DMAP‐N‐oxides as Acyl Transfer Catalysts: Design,Synthesis, and Application in Asymmetric Steglich Rearrangement

A DMAP‐N‐oxide, featuring an α‐amino acid as the chiral source, was developed, synthesized and applied in asymmetric Steglich rearrangement. A series of O‐acylated azlactones afforded C‐acylated azlactones possessing a quaternary stereocenter in high yields (up to 97 % yield) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 97 % ee). Compared to the widespread use of pyridine nitrogen, which serves as the nucleophilic site in the asymmetric acyl transfer reaction, we discovered that chiral DMAP‐N‐oxides, in which the oxygen now acts as the nucleophilic site, are efficient acyl transfer catalysts. Our finding might open a new door for the development of chiral DMAP‐N‐oxides for asymmetric acyl transfer reactions.     

Phosphonium Salts as Chiral Phase‐Transfer Catalysts: Asymmetric Michael and Mannich Reactions of 3‐Aryloxindoles

It′s a PTC : A highly efficient reaction of 3‐aryloxindoles in an asymmetric Michael addition was achieved by using a quaternary tetraalkylphosphonium salt as a chiral phase‐transfer catalyst (PTC). The products were obtained in quantitative yields high ee values. The reaction of 3‐aryloxindoles in an asymmetric Mannich reaction using the same catalyst also proved to be feasible.

     

A Base‐Free Neutral Phase‐Transfer Reaction System

Although phase‐transfer reactions catalyzed by using quaternary ammonium salts are generally believed to require base additives, we discovered that, even without any base additives, conjugate additions of 3‐substituted oxindoles to nitroolefins proceeded smoothly in the presence of lipophilic quaternary ammonium bromide under water–organic biphasic conditions. The mechanism of this novel base‐free neutral phase‐transfer reaction system is investigated and the assumed catalytic cycle is presented together with interesting effects of water and lipophilicity of the phase‐transfer catalyst. The base‐free neutral phase‐transfer reaction system can be applied to highly enantioselective conjugate addition and aldol reactions under the influence of chiral bifunctional ammonium bromides as key catalysts. The structure of the chiral ammonium enolate intermediate is discussed based on the single‐crystal X‐ray structures of relevant ammonium salts and the importance of bifunctional design of catalyst is clearly explained in the model of intermediate.     

Chiral Camphor Derivatives as New Catalysts for Asymmetric Phase‐Transfer Alkylation

The synthesis of new chiral phase‐transfer catalysts based on the optical camphor is described. The alkylation of the benzophenone imine of glycine tert‐butyl ester with benzyl bromide in the presence of new chiral phase‐transfer catalysts afforded the desired alkylation product in good yields and up to 39% ee.     

A Nickel‐Diamine/Mesoporous Silica Composite as a Heterogeneous Chiral Catalyst for Asymmetric 1,4‐Addition Reactions

A chiral composite material, derived from the deposition of a chiral nickel–diamine complex via wet impregnation to MCM‐41, was shown to be an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for asymmetric 1,4‐addition reactions of 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds with nitroalkenes, and of nitromethane with alkylidenemalonates. It was discovered that MCM‐41 enhanced the reactivity and improved the stability of the chiral nickel complex that resides within the mesoporous material.