Regio- and stereoselective aminopentadienylation of carbonyl compounds

J Org Chem. 2014 Feb 21;79(4):1796-804. doi: 10.1021/jo402854z. Epub 2014 Feb 6.

Abstract

A simple and robust protocol is detailed for the preparation of enantioenriched α-substituted (1,4-pentadien-3-yl)amine derivatives. The methodology involves the addition of an in situ formed pentadienyl indium reagent to chiral tert-butylsulfinimines, previously formed in the same pot. The addition takes place with excellent γ-regio- and diastereoselectivity for a wide range of carbonyl compounds, including α-unsubstituted aldehydes and methyl alkyl ketones. The catalytic hydrogenation of the sulfinamines obtained provides a convenient access to chiral α-substituted (3-pentyl)amines. The hydroboration-oxidation of the α-(1,4-pentadien-3-yl)amine derivatives, followed by a cyclization under Mitsunobu conditions, takes place with an excellent diastereoselectivity governed by the chiral sulfinyl group.