Organocatalytic Atroposelective Formal Diels–Alder Desymmetrization of <i>N</i>-Arylmaleimides

Abstract

The atroposelective desymmetrization of N-arylmaleimides was realized by means of a primary amine catalyzed Diels-Alder reaction of enones. The chiral axis as new element of chirality is generated under the remote control of the catalyst that selectively drives the formal Diels-Alder reaction through an exclusive stereochemical outcome.