Structural optimization of thiourea-based bifunctional organocatalysts for the highly enantioselective dynamic kinetic resolution of azlactones

This article describes the synthesis of a library of structurally diverse bifunctional organocatalysts bearing both a quasi-Lewis acidic (thio)urea moiety and a Br?nsted basic tertiary amine group. Sequential modification of the modular catalyst structure and subsequent screening of the compounds in the alcoholytic dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of azlactones revealed valuable structure-activity relationships. In particular, a "hit-structure" was identified which provides e.g.N-benzoyl-tert-leucine allyl ester in an excellent enantiomeric excess of 95%.