Asymmetric addition of an N-methyl C(sp3)–H bond to cyclic alkenes enabled by an iridium/phosphine–olefin catalyst

Abstract

Iridium-catalyzed asymmetric C–H addition of an N-methyl group on 3-trifluoromethyl-2-(N-methylamino)pyridine to cyclic alkenes was realized by using a phosphine–olefin ligand. Indene and its 7-substituted derivatives, acenaphthylene, and some bicyclic alkenes underwent the addition to give the corresponding products in good yields with high enantioselectivity.