This article summarizes our recent studies on iridium-catalyzed asymmetric reactions realizing the high atom efficiency. Iridium complexes efficiently catalyzed asymmetric functionalization of aromatic compounds via directed C-H activation. Formal [3+2] annulation of ketimines with 1,3-dienes or alkynes gave the corresponding annulation products in high yields with high enantioselectivity. Branch-selective alkylation of aromatic compounds with vinyl ethers was efficiently catalyzed by Ir(I)/chiral diene complexes. Hydroacylation of bicyclic alkenes with salicylaldehydes also proceeded via acyl C-H bond activation. Meanwhile, asymmetric synthesis of heterocycles via C-O and C-N bond formation were also achieved. Annulation of salicylimines and α-oxocarboxamides with 1,3-dienes proceeded to give chromane and pyrrolidone derivatives, respectively. Asymmetric cyclization of alkenoic acids and alkenamides took place to give γ-lactones and γ-lactams, respectively.
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