Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Quinolines and Isoquinolines Activated by Chloroformates

Abstract

Active ingredient: Optically active tetrahydroquinolines and tetrahydroisoquinolines can be obtained by the asymmetric hydrogenation of quinolines and isoquinolines with chloroformates as the activating reagent (e.g., ClCO2Bn, see scheme). The method has been applied to the asymmetric synthesis of several naturally occurring alkaloids. Bn=benzyl.