A Platinum(0) Complex as π-Lewis Base Catalyst for Asymmetric Friedel−Crafts Reaction

Abstract

Here we demonstrate that a Pt0 complex can function as an efficient π-Lewis base catalyst to increase the nucleophilicity of deactivated heteroarenes upon η2-coordination and resultant π-backdonation, thus enabling asymmetric Friedel−Crafts reaction with electrophiles. A diversity of densely functionalized adducts are produced in high yields with moderate to excellent enantioselectivity. Preliminary frontier molecular orbital (FMO) calculations and in situ 1H NMR analysis support the Pt0 π-Lewis base catalytic mode.