Enantioselective Synthesis of -Benzylic Heterocycles: A Nickel and Photoredox Dual Catalysis Approach.

Reported herein is a dual nickel- and photoredox-catalyzed modular approach for the preparation of enantioenriched -benzylic heterocycles. α-Heterocyclic carboxylic acids, easily obtainable from common commercial material, are reported as suitable substrates for a decarboxylative strategy in conjunction with a chiral pyridine-oxazoline (PyOx) ligand, providing quick access to enantioenriched drug-like products. The presence of a directing group on the heterocyclic moiety is shown to be beneficial, affording improved stereoselectivity in a number of cases.

Murai Reaction on Furfural Derivatives Enabled by Removable N,N'-Bidentate Directing Groups.

Furfural and related compounds are industrially relevant building blocks obtained from lignocellulosic biomass. To enhance the added value of these renewable resources, a Ru-catalyzed hydrofurylation of alkenes, involving a directed C-H activation at C3 of the furan ring, was developed. A thorough experimental study revealed that a bidentate amino-imine directing group enabled the desired coupling.