Asymmetric catalysis via dynamic substrate/ligand/rare earth metal conglomerate

A highly enantio- and diastereoselective catalytic asymmetric Mannich-type reaction of acyanoketones and N-Boc imines promoted by an amide ligand/Sc(OiPr)(3) catalyst is described. The similar reaction outcome is obtained with/without precomplexation of catalyst, suggesting that reaction i components in a non-ordered conglomerate mixture orchestrate to form an ordered transition state during the reaction. Spectroscopic data and Eyring plot are consistent with this assumption.