Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol.138, No.18, 5761-5764, 2016
Rhodium(II)-Catalyzed C-H Functionalization of Electron-Deficient Methyl Groups
Enantioselective C-H functionalization of relatively electron-deficient methyl sites was achieved with the combination of 2,2,2-trichloroethyl aryldiazoacetates and tetralcis(triarylcyclopropanecarboxylate) dirhodium catalysts. The substrate scope of the transformation was relatively broad, and C-H functionalization products were furnished with excellent levels of enantioselectivity. As a strategic reaction, crotonate derivatives give 1,6-dicarbonyl compounds, which are useful for further diversification.