Stereodivergent (3+2)-cycloaddition of donor-acceptor cyclopropanes and citral imines catalyzed by Yb(NTf2)3/PyBOX

Key Points

• The aim is to explore a new method for constructing pyrrolidines using modified natural substrates to change diastereoselectivity.
• Utilized donor-acceptor cyclopropanes and citral imines in a (3+2)-cycloaddition reaction.
• Implemented Yb(NTf2)3 as a catalyst along with PyBOX ligands for the reaction.
• Systematically varied functional groups to switch diastereoselectivity.
• Successfully achieved stereodivergent outcomes in pyrrolidine synthesis.
• Demonstrated that modifying a single position on substrates affected diastereoselectivity.
• Achieved high yields of the desired products in optimized reaction conditions.