Enantioselective photoredox catalysis enabled by proton-coupled electron transfer: Development of an asymmetric aza-pinacol cyclization

Lydia J. Rono, Hatice G. Yayla, David Y. Wang, Michael F. Armstrong, Robert R. Knowles

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

369 Scopus citations

Abstract

The first highly enantioselective catalytic protocol for the reductive coupling of ketones and hydrazones is reported. These reactions proceed through neutral ketyl radical intermediates generated via a concerted proton-coupled electron transfer (PCET) event jointly mediated by a chiral phosphoric acid catalyst and the photoredox catalyst Ir(ppy)2(dtbpy)PF6. Remarkably, these neutral ketyl radicals appear to remain H-bonded to the chiral conjugate base of the Brønsted acid during the course of a subsequent C-C bond-forming step, furnishing syn 1,2-amino alcohol derivatives with excellent levels of diastereo- and enantioselectivity. This work provides the first demonstration of the feasibility and potential benefits of concerted PCET activation in asymmetric catalysis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)17735-17738
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume135
Issue number47
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 27 2013

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • Biochemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Colloid and Surface Chemistry

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