Construction of erythrinane skeleton via Pd(0)-catalyzed intramolecular dearomatization of para-aminophenols.

A novel Pd(0)-catalyzed intramolecular arylative dearomatization of para-aminophenol derivatives is described. In the presence of 1.25 mol % [Pd(C3H5)Cl]2 and 3.

Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of beta,gamma-alkynyl alpha-imino esters by a Brønsted acid.

Asymmetric synthesis of trans-alkenyl alpha-amino esters was realized by chiral phosphoric acid catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of beta,gamma-alkynyl alpha-imino esters. Utilizing Hantzsch esters as the hydrogen donor, both the alkyne and imine moieties of beta,gamma-alkynyl alpha-imino esters were reduced to afford trans-alkenyl alpha-amino esters with up to 96% ee.