An asymmetric and theoretical approach to the Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction using vinyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles as nucleophiles

Abstract

In this work, we present the first enantioselective Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction using a vinyl-heterocycle as nucleophilic partner. The reaction between vinyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles and N-substituted isatins is catalyzed by β-isocupreidine (β-ICD), yielding compounds in up to 95% yield and up to 98:2 er. The enantioselectivity of the reaction was investigated through theoretical calculations, which allowed us to identify the factors influencing the enantioselectivity, explain the preference for the formation of the R enantiomer, and understand the low or absent enantioselectivity when isatin containing a nitro group is employed. Moreover, the methodology developed enabled the synthesis of chiral analogues of the natural products Phidianidine A and Phidianidine B, offering unique opportunities to obtain structurally diverse chiral 1,2,4-oxadiazoles.

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
31 Mar 2025
Accepted
22 May 2025
First published
23 May 2025

Org. Biomol. Chem., 2025, Accepted Manuscript

An asymmetric and theoretical approach to the Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction using vinyl-1,2,4-oxadiazoles as nucleophiles

T. A. B. Chagas, B. A. Piscelli, H. Santos, S. R. Lima, R. A. Cormanich, F. D. S. Fernandes and F. Coelho, Org. Biomol. Chem., 2025, Accepted Manuscript , DOI: 10.1039/D5OB00540J

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