Ruthenium Complex-Catalyzed Reaction of Isocyanoacetate and<i>N</i>-Sulfonylimines: Stereoselective Synthesis of<i>N</i>-Sulfonyl-2-Imidazolines

Abstract

Ruthenium(II)-catalyzed reaction of N-sulfonylimines with methyl isocyanoacetate proceeds efficiently under neutral, mild conditions to give trans-2-imidazolines stereoselectively in high yields. 2,3-Diamino acids can be easily acquired via the hydrolysis of the imidazolines in excellent yields. A possible mechanism for the ruthenium-catalyzed aldol reaction of the imines under neutral conditions is discussed.