Modularly Evolved 2-AminoDMAP/Squaramides as Highly Active Bifunctional Organocatalysts in Michael Addition
JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY, vol.80, no.2, pp.828-835, 2015 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 80 Issue: 2
- Publication Date: 2015
- Doi Number: 10.1021/jo5022597
- Journal Name: JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
- Page Numbers: pp.828-835
- Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
We report a new family of chiral bifunctional acid/base type organocatalysts, 2-aminoDMAP/Squaramides, which are proved to be highly active (1 mol % cat. loading) promoters in conjugate addition of dibenzoylmethane to various trans-beta-nitroalkenes. Steric demand of the catalysts was clearly seen by a set-by-set modulation of the squaramide unit through electronic and steric factors. The synergistic cooperation of 2-aminoDMAP "superbase" and sterically encumbered squaramide (H-bond donor) enabled complete conversion of a range of reactants into corresponding Michael adducts in a couple of hours with exquisite selectivities (up to 98% ee).