Direct Asymmetric α-Selective Mannich Reaction of β,γ-Unsaturated Ketones with Cyclic α-Imino Ester: Divergent Synthesis of Cyclocanaline and Tetrahydro Pyridazinone Derivatives.

The first regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselective direct Mannich reaction of β,γ,-unsaturated ketones with benzoxazinone cyclic imines was enabled by Lewis acid/Brønsted base cooperative catalysis. The dinuclear zinc complex catalyzed the reaction of a broad range of β,γ-unsaturated ketones to proceed at the α-site exclusively, leading to corresponding adducts with two consecutive tertiary carbon stereocenters in diastereomeric ratios of up to >20:1 and enantioselectivities generally in the 90-99 % ee range. These products were used as general intermediates in the synthesis of multisubstituted cyclocanalines, tetrahydro pyridazinones, and 4H-furo[2,3-b][1,4]benzoxazine derivatives.