New highly asymmetric Henry reaction catalyzed by Cu(II) and a C(1)-symmetric aminopyridine ligand, and its application to the synthesis of miconazole

Chemistry. 2008;14(15):4725-30. doi: 10.1002/chem.200800069.

Abstract

A new catalytic asymmetric Henry reaction has been developed that uses a C(1)-symmetric chiral aminopyridine ligand derived from camphor and picolylamine. A variety of aromatic, heteroaromatic, aliphatic, and unsaturated aldehydes react with nitromethane and other nitroalkanes in the presence of DIPEA (1.0 equiv), Cu(OAc)(2)*H(2)O (5 mol %), and an aminopyridine ligand (5 mol %) to give the expected products in high yields (up to 99 %), moderate-to-good diastereoselectivites (up to 82:18), and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98 %). The reaction is air-tolerant and has been used in the synthesis of the antifungal agent miconazole.

MeSH terms

  • 4-Aminopyridine / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Copper / chemistry*
  • Ligands
  • Miconazole / chemical synthesis*
  • Miconazole / chemistry
  • Molecular Structure
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Ligands
  • Copper
  • Miconazole
  • 4-Aminopyridine