Copper-Catalyzed Diastereo-, Enantio-, and (Z)-Selective Aminoallylation of Ketones through Reductive Couplings of Azatrienes for the Synthesis of Allylic 1,2-Amino Tertiary Alcohols

We introduce a method for the (Z)-selective aminoallylation of a range of ketones to prepare allylic 1,2-amino tertiary alcohols with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivity. Copper-catalyzed reductive couplings of 2-azatrienes with aryl/alkyl and dialkyl ketones proceed with Ph-BPE as the supporting ligand, generating anti-amino alcohols with >98% (Z)-selectivity under mild conditions. The utility of the products is highlighted through several transformations, including those that leverage the (Z)-allylic amine moiety for diastereoselective reactions of the alkene. Calculations illustrate Curtin–Hammett control in the product formation over other possible isomers and the origin of (Z)-selectivity.