Chiral 1,1′‐Bi(tetrahydroisoquinoline)‐Type Diamines as Efficient Ligands for Nickel‐Catalysed Enantioselective Michael Addition to Nitroalkenes

Abstract

AbstractA chiral C2‐symmetric 1,2‐diamine based on a 1,1′‐bi(tetrahydroisoquinoline) scaffold was found to be an efficient ligand for the enantioselective NiII‐catalysed Michael addition of malonic esters to conjugated nitroalkenes. The reactions proceed with 92–99 % yield and 91–99 % enantioselectivity even at elevated temperatures. The solid‐state structure of the catalyst precursor revealed intramolecular π–π stacking as well as supramolecular halogen···halogen bonding interactions.