Catalytic Asymmetric Intermolecular [3 + 2] Photocycloaddition of Cyclopropylamines with Electron-Deficient Olefins

Abstract

An enantioselective intermolecular [3 + 2] cycloaddition of <i>N</i>-arylcyclopropylamines with 2-aryl acrylates/ketones and cyclic ketone-derived terminal olefins via asymmetric photoredox catalysis is reported. A dual catalyst system involving DPZ and a chiral phosphoric acid is effective for the transformations, leading to a wide array of valuable cyclopentylamines with high yields, ee's, and drs. Among them, elaborate modulation of the ester group of 2-aryl acrylates was shown to be effective in improving reactivity, thereby enabling the success of the transformations.