Highly Enantioselective Synthesis of Chiral Succinimides via Rh/Bisphosphine-Thiourea-Catalyzed Asymmetric Hydrogenation

We have successfully developed a highly enantioselective hydrogenation of various 3-aryl and 3-methyl maleinimides to access enantiomerically pure 3-substituted succinimides catalyzed by Rh/bisphosphine-thiourea (Zhao-Phos). This efficient catalytic system furnished the desired 3 substituted succinimide products with high yields and enantioselectivities (up to 99% yield, full conversions, almost all 3-aryl succinimide products up to 99% ee, and 3-methyl succinimide with 83% ee). Our catalytic system has a strong substrate tolerance and generality. Whether the N-substituted group of maleinimides is H or other protecting groups, the maleinimides were hydrogenated well (up to >99% ee, 99% yield). Moreover, the hydrogenation succinimide products can be readily utilized for the construction of biologically active molecules, such as chiral amides and pyrrolidines.