A Proline-Squaraine Ligand Framework (Pro-SqEB) for Stereoselective Rhodium(II)-Catalyzed Cyclopropanations

Org Lett. 2023 Nov 17;25(45):8156-8161. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.3c03344. Epub 2023 Nov 8.

Abstract

A proline-squaraine ligand (Pro-SqEB) that demonstrates high levels of stereoselectivity in olefin cyclopropanations when anchored to a Rh2II scaffold is introduced. High yields and enantioselectivities were achieved in the cyclopropanation of alkenes with diazo compounds in the presence of Rh2(Pro-SqEB)4. Notably, the unique electronic and steric design of this catalyst enabled the use of polar solvents that are otherwise incompatible with most RhII complexes.