Asymmetric Allylic Amination of Morita–Baylis–Hillman Adducts with Simple Aromatic Amines by Nucleophilic Amine Catalysis

Abstract

Asymmetric allylic amination of Morita–Baylis–Hillman (MBH) adducts with simple aromatic amines is successfully realized by nucleophilic amine catalysis. A range of substituted α-methylene-β-arylamino esters is accessed in moderate to high yields (up to 88%) and with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 97% ee). Inorganic fluorides are found to be able to improve the enantioselectivity of the allylic amination reaction. A pyrrole-2-carboxylate and a cyclic imide are also compatible with this catalytic system. A chiral 2,3-dihydroquinolin-4-one derivative is easily obtained from the allylic amination product.