Dynamic kinetic resolution of α-F-β-ketone amides (esters) via Ir/f-diaphos-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation

Abstract

Chiral fluorine stands as a widespread building unit, demonstrating favorable pharmacological activity in numerous drugs and intermediates. In this study, we describe an Ir/f-diaphos-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of α-F-β-ketone amides (esters) via dynamic kinetic resolution, conducted under mild conditions. The resulting products exhibited exceedingly high enantioselectivities and diastereoselectivities, surpassing 99% ee and 99/1 dr, respectively, with their absolute configuration confirmed through XRD analysis. Additionally, we showcase the successful execution of this methodology on a gram scale and explore further transformations of the obtained products.