Rh/DuanPhos-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation of β-Acetylamino Vinylsulfides: An Approach to Chiral β-Acetylamino Sulfides

Rh/DuanPhos-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of challenging β-acetylamino vinylsulfides has been developed, affording chiral β-acetylamino sulfides with high yields and excellent ee's (up to 99% ee). This novel methodology provides an efficient and concise synthetic route to chiral β-acetylamino sulfides. The potential utility of this protocol in the synthesis of Apremilast has also been disclosed.