Liu Y.-L, Zhou J * East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
Organocatalytic Asymmetric Cyanation of Isatin Derived
N-Boc Ketoimines.
Chem. Commun. 2013;
Key words
thioureas - cyanation - ketimines
Significance
The first catalytic asymmetric cyanation of isatin-derived N-Boc ketimines has been reported by Zhou and co-worker. Wide substrate scope and excellent enantioselectivities were obtained. A tandem aza-Wittig–Strecker reaction has also been reported, which was applied to the total synthesis of spirohydantoin I.
Comment
An aza-Wittig–Strecker reaction sequence has been reported, which offers a good methodology to develop a catalytic asymmetric reaction of N-Boc ketimines, generated in situ from the achiral ketones. The strategy has potential applications in other types of reactions, in which N-Boc imines are involved.
