Branch-selective reductive coupling of 2-vinyl pyridines and imines via rhodium catalyzed C-C bond forming hydrogenation

J Am Chem Soc. 2008 Sep 24;130(38):12592-3. doi: 10.1021/ja805056g. Epub 2008 Aug 29.

Abstract

Hydrogenation of 2-vinyl azines 1a-1e in the presence of N-arylsulfonyl imines 2a-2l at ambient temperature and pressure employing cationic rhodium catalysts ligated by tri-2-furylphosphine results in regioselective reductive coupling to furnish branched products of imine addition 3a-3v, which embody modest to high levels of syn-diastereoselectivity. Catalytic coupling of 6-bromo-2-vinylpyridine 1a to imine 2l under an atmosphere of elemental deuterium provides deuterio-3l, with deuterium exclusively at the former beta-position of the vinyl moiety. These data are consistent with a catalytic mechanism involving oxidative coupling of the vinyl azine and imine partners to furnish a cationic aza-rhodacyclopentane, which upon deuteriolytic cleavage releases the adduct and regenerates cationic rhodium(I) to close the catalytic cycle. These studies represent the first metal catalyzed reductive C-C couplings of vinyl azines.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Hydrogenation
  • Imines / chemistry*
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Phosphines / chemistry
  • Pyridines / chemical synthesis*
  • Pyridines / chemistry
  • Rhodium / chemistry

Substances

  • Imines
  • Phosphines
  • Pyridines
  • tri-2-furylphosphine
  • Rhodium
  • 2-vinylpyridine