A chiral-auxiliary-induced asymmetric synthesis of 2-oxa-3-azabicyclo3.1.1heptanes is described. This approach employs a new class of chiral bicyclo1.1.0butanes incorporating an (S)-4-benzyl-2-oxazolidinone auxiliary as the key chiral controller. The Sc(OTf)3-catalyzed 3 + 3 cycloaddition of nitrones proceeds smoothly in up to 98% yield with moderate to excellent diastereoselectivities (up to >20:1 dr) across 49 examples. The DFT calculation results are consistent with favorable nucleophilic attack on the Re face of the nitrone, leading to the generation of the S-configured chiral center. The calculated activation energy of the key transition state is 3.8 kcal/mol, in agreement with the excellent diastereoselectivity.
Sima et al. (Tue,) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: