Organocatalyzed Sulfa-Michael Addition of Thiophenols on Trisubstituted α-Fluoroacrylates, a Straightforward Access to Chiral Fluorinated Compounds

Abstract

In this manuscript, a simple and efficient sulfa-Michael addition reaction of aryl thiols to trisubstituted α-fluoro-α,β-unsaturated esters both in racemic and, for the first time, in enantioselective version is reported. The commercially available dimer of cinchona derivatives (DHQ)₂PYR was used as a catalyst. This strategy showed a great tolerance for various substrates and substituents, providing fair to excellent yields, moderate to excellent diastereoselectivities (2:1 to >99:1), and low to good enantioselectivities (2 to 87%). The reaction has been applied to the synthesis of fluorinated analogues of diltiazem and tiazesim, both therapeutic agents.