Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol.133, No.37, 14538-14541, 2011
Catalytic Enantioselective Desymmetrization of meso-Diamines: A Dual Small-Molecule Catalysis Approach
The desymmetrization of meso-diamines was accomplished via enantioselective monobenzoylation facilitated by the cooperative action of two small-molecule catalysts. A chiral acyl-transfer reagent is formed in situ through the interplay of benzoic anhydride, 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine as a nucleophilic catalyst, and a chiral amide-thiourea cocatalyst.