Formal Synthesis of (+)-Indatraline

Significance

The key step in this formal synthesis of (+)-indatraline is a catalytic asymmetric conjugate reduction (B → C) of a β,β-diaryl-α,β-unsaturated nitrile using a copper hydride coordinated to (R)-Josiphos. A further eleven examples are ­reported (78-91% yield) with typical ee values ­exceeding 90% even in cases where the two aryl groups have a similar steric demand.