Synthesis of Azacyclic Nucleoside Analogues via Asymmetric [3 + 2] Cycloaddition of 9-(2-Tosylvinyl)-9H-purines.

With 9-(2-tosylvinyl)-9H-purines as the dipolarophiles, a series of chiral azacyclic nucleosides with four continuous stereocenters were obtained in 86-99% yields, >20:1 dr, and 94 → 99% ee via the Cu(I)-catalyzed asymmetric [3 + 2] cycloaddition. Both (E)- and (Z)-9-(2-tosylvinyl)-9H-purines were suitable dipolarophiles, enriching the structure diversity of azacyclic nucleosides. Furthermore, when α-methyl imino ester was explored, the corresponding azacyclic nucleoside with a chiral quaternary stereocenter could also be afforded with excellent results.