Iterative multifunctionalization of unactivated C-H bonds in piperidines by way of intramolecular Rh(II)-catalyzed aminations.

Efficient stereocontrolled synthesis of di-, tri-, tetra-, and pentasubstituted piperidines from simple 2-sulfamoyloxymethyl piperidine derivatives has been performed by way of intramolecular Rh-catalyzed amination of saturated C-H bonds. In this process, the sulfamoyloxymethyl arm was directly or indirectly involved in the functionalization of every saturated methylene group of the piperidine ring at C-3, C-4, C-5, and C-6. Direct application to the total synthesis of iminosugars and related compounds demonstrated the synthetic potential of this strategy.