Synthesis 2022; 54(14): 3125-3141
DOI: 10.1055/a-1781-6538
review

Asymmetric Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Cycloadditions of ortho-Quinone Methides and Related Compounds

Caroline Dorsch
,
We thank the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft for generous financial support of our studies in this area (SCHN 441/11-1, 11-2, and 14-1), as well as the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD), and the Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt (DBU) for fellowship support.


Dedicated to Prof. Dr. Lutz F. Tietze with deep respect and admiration on the occasion of his 80th birthday

Abstract

This review summarizes recent developments in the area of Brønsted acid catalyzed, enantioselective cycloadditions of ortho-quinone methides, ortho-quinone methide imines as well as heterocyclic indole- and pyrrole-based methides. In a straightforward and single-step transformation complex polycyclic N- and O-heterocyclic scaffolds are accessible, with typically good yields and excellent stereocontrol, from simple benzyl and heterobenzyl alcohols upon acid-catalyzed dehydration. The transient precursors are hydrogen-bonded to a chiral Brønsted acid which controls the enantioselectivity of the process.

1 Introduction

2 Cycloadditions of ortho-Quinone Methides

2.1 Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Processes

2.2 Cooperative Brønsted Acid/Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Processes

3 Cycloadditions of ortho-Quinone Methide Imines

4 Cycloadditions of Indolyl-3-methides

5 Cycloadditions of Indolyl-2-methides

5.1 Brønsted Acid Catalyzed Processes

5.2 Cooperative Brønsted Acid/Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Processes

6 Cycloadditions of Pyrrolyl-2-methides

7 Cycloadditions of Pyrrolyl-3-methides

8 Conclusions



Publication History

Received: 24 January 2022

Accepted after revision: 24 February 2022

Accepted Manuscript online:
24 February 2022

Article published online:
21 April 2022

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