We reported a nickel-catalyzed enantioconvergent deaminative alkylation of α-amino
acid derivatives with unactivated olefins, providing an efficient and convenient access
to a range of α-enantioenriched amides. This method represents the first example of
enantioselective deaminative functionalization with racemic amine precursors and features
in mild conditions and broad substrate scope. New sterically encumbered bis(oxazoline)
ligand was developed to improve both reactivity and enantioselectivity, which is key
to the success of this reaction.
Key words
deaminative alkylation - enantioselective - chiral bis(oxazoline) ligands - α-amino
acid - sp
3 cross-coupling