Asymmetric flow catalysis: Mix-and-go solid-phase Nd/Na catalyst for expeditious enantioselective access to a key intermediate of AZD7594

Abstract

An anti-selective catalytic asymmetric nitroaldol reaction was implemented in a continuous-flow reaction platform for the synthesis of a key intermediate of a drug candidate. The requisite solid-phase catalyst was readily prepared by mixing an amide-based chiral ligand and inexpensive inorganic salts, NdCl3•6H2O and NaOtBu, without covalent bond linkages. The flow system was operated with 2-Me-THF as the eluent for ca. 400 h to provide a crude nitroaldol adduct in a highly stereoselective manner with no work-up procedure, reaching turnover number over 1600. Facile reduction of the nitro group of the product afforded a key intermediate of AZD7594, a therapeutic candidate for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.