Copper-catalyzed asymmetric propargylic substitution of anthrones and propargylic esters

Anthrones are key structural motifs in many natural products, bioactive compounds and pharmaceutical chemicals. Earth-abundant-metal-catalyzed asymmetric functionalization of anthrones has not proved to be viable. Herein, we disclosed a highly enantioselective propargylic substitution of anthrones with propargylic esters using copper salts with chiral N, N, P-ligand. This strategy is amenable to a broad range of substrates, uses readily available starting materials, provides excellent yields with remarkable enantioselectivity under mild conditions, and enables attractive products diversification routes. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences.

Automated summary

In this study, a highly enantioselective propargylic substitution reaction of anthrones with propargylic esters using copper salts with chiral N, N, P-ligand was disclosed. This strategy shows broad substrate compatibility, mild reaction conditions, excellent yields with remarkable enantioselectivity, and enables the synthesis of diverse products.