Chiral aldehyde catalysis is a burgeoning strategy for the catalytic asymmetric α-functionalization of aminomethyl compounds. However, the reaction types are limited and to date include no examples of stereodivergent catalysis. In this work, we disclose two chiral aldehyde-catalysed diastereodivergent reactions: a 1,6-conjugate addition of amino acids topara-quinone methides and a bio-inspired Mannich reaction of pyridinylmethanamines and imines. Both thesyn- andanti-products of these two reactions can be obtained in moderate to high yields, diastereo- and enantioselectivities. Four potential reaction models produced by DFT calculations are proposed to explain the observed stereoselective control. Our work shows that chiral aldehyde catalysis based on a reversible imine formation principle is applicable for the α-functionalization of both amino acids and aryl methylamines, and holds potential to promote a range of asymmetric transformations diastereoselectively.

Catalytic asymmetric Tsuji–Trost benzylation is a promising strategy for the preparation of chiral benzylic compounds. However, only a few such transformations with both good yields and enantioselectivities have been achieved since this reaction was first reported in 1992, and its use in current organic synthesis is restricted. In this work, we use N-unprotected amino acid esters as nucleophiles in reactions with benzyl alcohol derivatives. A ternary catalyst comprising a chiral aldehyde, a palladium species, and a Lewis acid is used to promote the reaction. Both mono- and polycyclic benzyl alcohols are excellent benzylation reagents. Various unnatural optically active α-benzyl amino acids are produced in good-to-excellent yields and with good-to-excellent enantioselectivities. This catalytic asymmetric method is used for the formal synthesis of two somatostatin mimetics and the proposed structure of natural product hypoestestatin 1. A mechanism that plausibly explains the stereoselective control is proposed.

The combined catalytic systems derived from organocatalysts and transition metals exhibit powerful activation and stereoselective-control abilities in asymmetric catalysis. This work describes a highly efficient chiral aldehyde-nickel dual catalytic system and its application for the direct asymmetric α−propargylation reaction of amino acid esters with propargylic alcohol derivatives. Various structural diversity α,α−disubstituted non-proteinogenic α−amino acid esters are produced in good-to-excellent yields and enantioselectivities. Furthermore, a stereodivergent synthesis of natural product NP25302 is achieved, and a reasonable reaction mechanism is proposed to illustrate the observed stereoselectivity based on the results of control experiments, nonlinear effect investigation, and HRMS detection.

Asymmetric functionalization of amines and their derivatives is of great significance in synthetic chemistry and is widely used in the preparation of natural products and pharmaceuticals. In recent years, chiral aldehyde catalysis has emerged as a well-established and recognized tool, providing excellent catalytic activation and stereoselective control in asymmetric reactions of N-unprotected amino acid esters and amino acid ester analogues. In this short review, recent advances in enantioselective aldehyde catalysis, including chiral aldehydes as organocatalysts and co-catalysis combined with transition metals, will be summarized. Lastly, continued development of enantioselective aldehyde catalysis is prospected in the future.1 Introduction2 Chiral Aldehyde Catalysis for Tethering Strategy3 Chiral Aldehyde Catalysis for Imine Activation4 Chiral Aldehyde/Transition Metal Cooperative Catalysis5 Conclusion

A chiral aldehyde-catalyzed tandem nucleophilic addition-lactamization reaction is described. Structurally diverse fully substituted pyroglutamic acids were generated in moderate-to-good yields and stereoselectivities.