Enantioselective intramolecular propargylic amination using chiral copper–pybox complexes as catalysts

Abstract

Intramolecular propargylic amination of propargylic acetates bearing an amino group at the suitable position in the presence of chiral copper–pybox complexes proceeds enantioselectively to give optically active 1-ethynyl-isoindolines (up to 98% ee). The method described in this communication provides a useful synthetic approach to the enantioselective preparation of nitrogen containing heterocyclic compounds with an ethynyl group at the α-position.