Rhodium‐Catalyzed Direct Enantioselective Alkynylation of Trifluoropyruvates with Terminal 1,3‐Diynes

Abstract

AbstractA direct catalytic enantioselective alkynylation reaction of trifluoropyruvates with terminal 1,3‐diynes was achieved by using C2‐symmetric NCN pincer rhodium (III) complexes with bis(imidazolinyl)phenyl ligands. This protocol is effective for enantioselective synthesis of optically active trifluoromethylated tertiary alcohols with the diyne moiety. A variety of electronically and structurally diverse terminal 1,3‐diynes are well tolerated. Furthermore, the catalytic reaction is applicable to preparation of both enantiomers of the chiral CF3‐containing conjugated diynols with high enantioselectivity.