Asymmetric synthesis of isothiazoles through Cu catalysis: Direct catalytic asymmetric conjugate addition of allyl cyanide to α,β-unsaturated thioamides

Twice the catalyst: The simultaneous activation of an allyl cyanide (pronucleophile) and an α,β-unsaturated thioamide (electrophile) was achieved using a Cu-based soft Lewis acid/hard Brønsted base cooperative catalyst, thus resulting in the formation of enethioamides 1 in a highly enantio- and Z-selective manner (see scheme). The sequential Cu-catalyzed intramolecular cyclization gave rise to enantioenriched fused isothiazoles 2.