Visible-Light-Activated Asymmetric β-C-H Functionalization of Acceptor-Substituted Ketones with 1,2-Dicarbonyl Compounds

J Am Chem Soc. 2017 Dec 6;139(48):17245-17248. doi: 10.1021/jacs.7b09152. Epub 2017 Nov 21.

Abstract

We report a visible-light-activated asymmetric β-C(sp3)-H functionalization of 2-acyl imidazoles and 2-acylpyridines with 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds (typically α-ketoesters) catalyzed by a tailored stereogenic-at-rhodium Lewis acid catalyst. The C-C bond formation products are obtained in high yields (up to 99%) and with excellent stereoselectivities (up to >20:1 dr and up to >99% ee). Experimental and computational studies support a mechanism in which a photoactivated Rh-enolate transfers a single electron to the 1,2-dicarbonyl compound followed by proton transfer and a subsequent stereocontrolled radical-radical recombination.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Electrons
  • Imidazoles / chemistry
  • Ketones / chemistry*
  • Ketones / radiation effects*
  • Lewis Acids / chemistry
  • Light*
  • Protons
  • Pyridines / chemistry
  • Rhodium / chemistry

Substances

  • Imidazoles
  • Ketones
  • Lewis Acids
  • Protons
  • Pyridines
  • Rhodium