Catalytic Dynamic Kinetic Resolutions with N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes: Asymmetric Synthesis of Highly Substituted β‐Lactones

Abstract

New DKR type: An N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)-catalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution of racemic α-substituted β-keto esters has been developed. This method relies on the epimerization of an NHC-enol intermediate before subsequent aldol/acylation events. Highly substituted β-lactones are produced in good yield with good to excellent selectivities (see scheme).