Remote Enantioselective ε-Alkylation of Copper Ethynylallenylidenes: Precise Control of Central and Axial Chirality

Abstract

Chiral tetrasubstituted allenes have emerged as important architectures for engineering biologically active compounds. The construction of unique tetrasubstituted allene scaffolds with precise control of continuous central and axial chirality remains yet to be developed. Here, we report a remote enantioselective ε-alkylation of yne-propargylic acetates with enals enabled by NHC and copper cooperative catalysis, leading to a series of tetrasubstituted allenes with excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee) and diastereoselectivities (up to >95:5 dr). This method features high regioselectivity and simultaneous control of axial and central chirality. Mechanistic studies suggest a cooperative activation mode and synergistical control of distal chirality created from the copper ethynylallenylidenes.