Divergent synthesis of planar/central-chiral [n]metacyclophanes by asymmetric acylation

Abstract

Acquisition of a single enantiomeric configuration of planar-chiral [n]metacyclophanes has persistently posed a formidable challenge. Herein, we report the divergent synthesis of planar/central-chiral [n]metacyclophanes through chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed reactions of racemic [n]metacyclophane anilines with azlactones, based on a divergent parallel kinetic resolution protocol. A range of target products were afforded in high enantioselectivities.