Origin of Stereoselectivity in Cooperative Asymmetric Catalysis Involving N-Heterocyclic Carbenes and Lewis Acids toward the Synthesis of Spirooxindole Lactone

Abstract

An increasing number of examples are now being reported that use chiral N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) in conjunction with Lewis acids to enhance catalytic potential. Herein, we provide molecular insights into an NHC-catalyzed stereoselective annulation reaction between N-methylisatin and an enal leading to spirooxindole lactone in the presence of LiCl as the Lewis acid. Mechanistic features as well as the origin of enantio- and diastereoselectivities of the catalytic reaction have been unraveled using the density functional theory (B3LYP-D3) method. The key mechanistic steps of the reaction are identified to proceed through the formation of a Breslow intermediate between the chiral NHC catalyst and the enal, an enantioselective addition of the re face of this intermediate to the re face of the carbonyl group of N-methylisatin, and an intramolecular proton transfer and lactonization that eventually provide access to (2S,3R)-spirooxindole lactone as the final product. In the most preferred pathway, the Lew...