Catalytic Enantioselective γ-Selective Additions of 2-Allylazaarenes to Activated Ketones.

Reported herein is the first example of 2-allylazaarenes in asymmetric catalysis. Highly γ-selective allylation was demonstrated for activated ketones, including isatins and trifluoromethyl ketones. In the presence of either an amino-acid-based tertiary amine or quaternary ammonium salt catalyst, two series of tertiary hydroxy-containing moieties were installed at the remote δ-position of azaarenes in good chemical yields, excellent enantioselectivities, and E/Z ratios. The success of current γ-selective reactions should provide inspiration for expansion to other allylazaarene derivatives and would open up new paradigms for the synthesis of chiral γ- and/or δ-functionalized azaarenes.