η6-Arene CH-O Interaction Directed Dynamic Kinetic Resolution - Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation (DKR-ATH) of α-Keto/enol-Lactams

A dynamic kinetic resolution - asymmetric transfer hydrogenation (DKR-ATH) methodology of alpha-keto/enol-lactams was developed. We also propose a possible catalytic mechanism evolving a transition state stabilized by eta(6)-arene CH-O interaction. The efficient approach can be applied to a wide range of substrates including non-aryl ones which would be difficult to prepare by other asymmetric reduction methods.

Automated summary

A new dynamic kinetic resolution - asymmetric transfer hydrogenation method was developed for alpha-keto/enol-lactams, which can be applied to a wide range of substrates, including those difficult to prepare by other methods. The proposed catalytic mechanism involves a transition state stabilized by eta(6)-arene CH-O interaction.