Synthesis of α‐Quaternary β‐Lactams via Copper‐Catalyzed Enantioconvergent Radical C(sp<sup>3</sup>)−C(sp<sup>2</sup>) Cross‐Coupling with Organoboronate Esters
Fuli Wang, Lin Liu, Chang‐Jiang Yang, Cheng Luan, Jing Yang, Ji‐Jun Chen, Qiang‐Shuai Gu, Zhong‐Liang Li, Xin‐Yuan Liu
Abstract
Abstract The copper‐catalyzed enantioconvergent radical C(sp 3 )−C(sp 2 ) cross‐coupling of tertiary α‐bromo‐β‐lactams with organoboronate esters could provide the synthetically valuable α‐quaternary β‐lactams. The challenge arises mainly from the construction of sterically congested quaternary stereocenters between the tertiary alkyl radicals and chiral copper(II) species. Herein, we describe our success in achieving such transformations through the utilization of a copper/hemilabile N,N,N‐ligand catalyst to forge the sterically congested chiral C(sp 3 )−C(sp 2 ) bond via a single‐electron reduction/transmetalation/bond formation catalytic cycle. The synthetic potential of this approach is shown in the straightforward conversion of the corresponding products into many valuable building blocks. We hope that the developed catalytic cycle would open up new vistas for more enantioconvergent cross‐coupling reactions.