Organocatalytic asymmetric cyanation of isatin derived N-Boc ketoimines

Chem Commun (Camb). 2013 May 14;49(39):4421-3. doi: 10.1039/c2cc36665g. Epub 2012 Oct 23.

Abstract

We report the first catalytic asymmetric cyanation of N-Boc ketoimines, which enables highly enantioselective synthesis of oxindole based α-amino nitriles. An unprecedented tandem aza-Wittig/Strecker reaction is also developed, emerging as a promising strategy for the catalytic asymmetric cyanation of ketoimines formed in situ from achiral ketones.