Catalytic asymmetric α-acylation of tertiary amines mediated by a dual catalysis mode: N-heterocyclic carbene and photoredox catalysis

J Am Chem Soc. 2012 May 16;134(19):8094-7. doi: 10.1021/ja3030164. Epub 2012 May 2.

Abstract

Cross-coupling reactions are among the most widely utilized methods for C-C bond formation; however, the requirement of preactivated starting materials still presents a major limitation. Methods that take direct advantage of the inherent reactivity of the C-H bond offer an efficient alternative to these methods, negating the requirement for substrate preactivation. In this process, two chemically distinct activation events culminate in the formation of the desired C-C bond with loss of H(2) as the only byproduct. Herein we report the catalytic asymmetric α-acylation of tertiary amines with aldehydes facilitated by the combination of chiral N-heterocyclic carbene catalysis and photoredox catalysis.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Acylation
  • Amines / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Heterocyclic Compounds / chemistry*
  • Methane / analogs & derivatives*
  • Methane / chemistry
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Photochemical Processes*

Substances

  • Amines
  • Heterocyclic Compounds
  • carbene
  • Methane