Catalytic, Enantioselective Syn-Oxyamination of Alkenes.

The chemo-, regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselective 1,2-oxyamination of alkenes using selenium(II/IV) catalysis with a chiral diselenide catalyst is reported. This method uses N-tosylamides to generate oxazoline products that are useful both as protected 1,2-amino alcohol motifs and as chiral ligands. The reaction proceeds in good yields with excellent enantio- and diastereoselectivity for a variety of alkenes and pendant functional groups such as sulfonamides, alkyl halides, and glycol-protected ketones. Furthermore, the rapid generation of oxazoline products is demonstrated in the expeditious assembly of chiral PHOX ligands as well as diversely protected amino alcohols.