Structure–activity relationships in group 3 metal catalysts for asymmetric intramolecular alkene hydroamination. An investigation of ligands based on the axially chiral 1,1′-binaphthyl-2,2′-diamine motif

From a series of N,N'-disubstituted-1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2'-diamines, several group 3 metal complexes were synthesized via an in situ procedure. These chiral complexes were subsequently applied to catalysis of intramolecular alkene hydroamination. Significant structure-activity relationships were observed, most notably a reversal of stereoselectivity for cyclopentyl versus diphenylmethyl substituents.