Synthesis of Axially Chiral Aldehydes by N‐Heterocyclic‐Carbene‐Catalyzed Desymmetrization Followed by Kinetic Resolution
Yingtao Wu, Mingrui Li, Jiaqiong Sun, Guangfan Zheng, Qian Zhang
Abstract
Abstract Axially chiral aldehydes have received increasing attention in enantioselective catalysis. However, only very few catalytic methods have been developed to construct structurally diverse axially chiral aldehydes. We herein describe an NHC‐catalyzed atroposelective esterification of biaryl dialdehydes as a general and practical strategy for the construction of axially chiral aldehydes. Mechanistic studies indicate that coupling proceeds through a novel combination of NHC‐catalyzed desymmetrization of the dialdehydes and kinetic resolution. This protocol features excellent enantioselectivity, mild conditions, good functional‐group tolerance, and applicability to late‐stage functionalization and provides a modular platform for the synthesis of axially chiral aldehydes and their derivatives.