Dinuclear Zinc-AzePhenol Catalyzed Asymmetric Aza-Henry Reaction of <i>N</i>-Boc Imines and Nitroalkanes under Ambient Conditions

Abstract

The asymmetric aza-Henry reaction of N-Boc imines and nitroalkanes was realized in the presence of 10 mol % dinuclear zinc-AzePhenol catalysts under ambient conditions. A variety of nitroamines were obtained in good yields (up to 97%) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee) and high diasteroselectivity (up to 14:1 dr). Our protocol combined the operational simplicity and mild reaction conditions, thus making the process amenable for technical applications.