Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Axially Chiral Naphthamides via Atroposelective Allylic Alkylation Reaction

Axially chiral amides are usually found in many biologically active compounds and are useful ligands in asymmetric catalysis. Herein, by using the dynamic kinetic resolution approach, an asymmetric allylic alkylation reaction of racemic amide naphthols is disclosed, which leads to generation of the axially chiral naphthamides in good to excellent yields (up to 97%) and enantioselectivities (up to 96:4 e.r.). Density functional theory was used to gain a theoretical understanding of the enantioselectivities in this reaction.