Catalytic asymmetric Diels–Alder reactions involving aryl vinyl ketones

Abstract

A catalytic asymmetric Diels–Alder reaction of an aryl vinyl ketone with 1,3-dienylcarbamate has been developed. Cyclohexenes bearing vicinal amino and aroyl groups in a cis-configuration were prepared in excellent ee (>99%) and endo (single diastereomer) selectivity. The absolute configuration of one DA product was unambiguously confirmed using XRD analysis. The transition state structure was proposed on the basis of DFT calculations.