Copper/Lewis base cooperatively catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation of Morita–Baylis–Hillman carbonates with azomethine ylides

Abstract

In this paper, an asymmetric allylic alkylation of easily available azomethine ylides with Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) carbonates through a copper (I)/Lewis base cooperative catalysis strategy has been realized. The co-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation provided the corresponding amino acid derivatives in up to 90% yields with up to 99% ee as well as good to excellent regioselectivity.