Abstract
A direct catalytic asymmetric addition of acetonitrile to aldehydes that realizes over 90 % ee is the ultimate challenge in alkylnitrile addition chemistry. Herein, we report achieving high enantioselectivity by the strategic use of a sterically demanding NiII pincer carbene complex, which afforded highly enantioenriched β-hydroxynitriles. This highly atom-economical process paves the way for exploiting inexpensive acetonitrile as a promising C2 building block in a practical synthetic toolbox for asymmetric catalysis.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 8739-8743 |
Number of pages | 5 |
Journal | Angewandte Chemie - International Edition |
Volume | 60 |
Issue number | 16 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2021 Apr 12 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- aldehydes
- enantioselectivity
- homogeneous catalysis
- nickel
- nitriles
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Catalysis
- Chemistry(all)