Catalytic asymmetric amination of azlactones with azobenzenes

Abstract

We reported an efficient asymmetric amination of azlactones with N-aryl-N-aroyldiazenes through a chiral N,N′-dioxide-based Lewis acid catalyst. The multicoordination ability of Nd(III) enabled it to simultaneously activate and to locate the two reactants for N-selective addition. Hydrazine-bearing azlactone derivatives were obtained in moderate to good yields with high enantioselectivity.