Catalytic Asymmetric 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of α‐Iminonitriles

Abstract

Improving the structural scope: A catalytic asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition involving α-iminonitriles as azomethine precursors has been developed. In the presence of AgOAc/Taniaphos as the catalyst system the reaction of α-iminonitriles with dimethyl fumarate and N-methyl maleimide affords 2-cyanopyrrolidines with good endo selectivity and enantioselectivity (68–≥99 % ee; see scheme).