Experimental and Computational Investigation of Facial Selectivity Switching in Nickel-Diamine-Acetate-Catalyzed Michael Reactions.

Chiral Ni complexes have revolutionized both asymmetric acid-base and redox catalysis. However, the coordination isomerism of Ni complexes and their open-shell property still often hinder the elucidation of the origin of their observed stereoselectivity. Here, we report our experimental and computational investigations to clarify the mechanism of β-nitrostyrene facial selectivity switching in Ni(II)-diamine-(OAc)-catalyzed asymmetric Michael reactions.

Naked d-orbital in a centrochiral Ni(II) complex as a catalyst for asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition.

Chiral metal catalysts have been widely applied to asymmetric transformations. However, the electronic structure of the catalyst and how it contributes to the activation of the substrate is seldom investigated. Here, we report an empirical approach for providing insights into the catalytic activation process in the distorted Ni(II)-catalysed asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition of α-ketoesters.

Diastereo- and enantioselective conjugate addition of alpha-ketoesters to nitroalkenes catalyzed by a chiral Ni(OAc)(2) complex under mild conditions.

A highly efficient, catalytic, diastereo- and enantioselective conjugate addition of alpha-ketoesters to nitroalkenes has been devised. The reaction was applicable to various substrates. Notably, the combination of endogenous and exogenous bases was effective, allowing a small amount of the catalyst (0.

Copper-catalyzed alkene aziridination with N-tosyloxycarbamates.

Pyridine copper complexes were found as active catalysts for the intramolecular aziridination of allylic N-tosyloxycarbamates and the intermolecular aziridination of styrenes with trichloroethyl N-tosyloxycarbamates. Free aziridines were easily obtained by basic deprotection of the trichloroethyl group.

N-tosyloxycarbamates as a source of metal nitrenes: rhodium-catalyzed C-H insertion and aziridination reactions.

The rhodium-catalyzed decomposition of N-tosyloxycarbamates to generate metal nitrenes which undergo intramolecular C-H insertion or aziridination reaction is described. Aliphatic N-tosyloxycarbamates produce oxazolidinones with high yields and stereospecificity through insertion in benzylic, tertiary, and secondary C-H bonds. Intramolecular aziridination occurs with allylic N-tosyloxycarbamates to produce aziridines as single diastereomers.