Stereodivergent construction of non-adjacent stereocentres via migratory functionalization of alkenes

Stereodivergent construction of multiple stereocentres is one of the most essential tasks in asymmetric synthesis. However, strategies for assembling all possible stereoisomers of optically active compounds bearing non-adjacent stereocentres remain scarce and suffer from certain limitations in terms of reaction types and chemical space. Here we succeed in utilizing the chain walking strategy to realize the simultaneous construction of acyclic 1,n-non-adjacent (n = 3 or 4) stereocentres via Ni-catalysed migratory hydroalkylation of trisubstituted alkenes in an enantioselective and diastereodivergent manner. A series of alkyl units can be site-selectively installed at α-C(sp³)-H sites adjacent to nitrogen, affording chiral amines bearing an α-stereogenic centre and a remote (γ- or δ-) all-alkyl-substituted stereocentre. All four stereoisomers can be accessed using a single catalyst via an appropriate selection of the olefin geometry and ligand configuration, with exceptional control of stereochemistry. This simple and mild platform offers opportunities for the streamlined synthesis of complex bioactive molecules and medicinally relevant scaffolds.