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Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Cyclohexanes by Hydrogen Borrowing Annulations
Roly J Armstrong1, Wasim M Akhtar1, Tom A Young1
1Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3TA, UK.
Abstract:
Hydrogen borrowing catalysis serves as a powerful alternative to enolate alkylation, enabling the direct coupling of ketones with unactivated alcohols. However, to date, methods that enable control over the absolute stereochemical outcome of such a process have remained elusive. Here we report a catalytic asymmetric method for the synthesis of enantioenriched cyclohexanes from 1,5-diols via hydrogen borrowing catalysis. This reaction is mediated by the addition of a chiral iridium(I) complex, which is able to impart high levels of enantioselectivity upon the process. A series of enantioenriched cyclohexanes have been prepared and the mode of enantioinduction has been probed by a combination of experimental and DFT studies.
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