Catalytic asymmetric defluorinative allylation of silyl enol ethers†
Abstract
The stereocontrolled installation of alkyl fragments at the alpha position of ketones is a fundamental yet unresolved transformation in organic chemistry. Herein we report a new catalytic methodology able to construct α-allyl ketones via defluorinative allylation of silyl enol ethers in a regio-, diastereo- and enantioselective manner. The protocol leverages the unique features of the fluorine atom to simultaneously act as a leaving group and to activate the fluorophilic nucleophile via a Si–F interaction. A series of spectroscopic, electroanalytic and kinetic experiments demonstrate the crucial interplay of the Si–F interaction for successful reactivity and selectivity. The generality of the transformation is demonstrated by synthesising a wide set of structurally diverse α-allylated ketones bearing two contiguous stereocenters. Remarkably, the catalytic protocol is amenable for the allylation of biologically significant natural products.
- This article is part of the themed collections: 2023 Chemical Science HOT Article Collection and 2023 ChemSci Pick of the Week Collection