Asymmetric construction of quaternary stereocenters by direct organocatalytic amination of α-substituted α-cyanoacetates and β-dicarbonyl compounds

The first organocatalytic highly enantioselective reactions of substituted α-cyanoacetates and β-dicarbonyl compounds with azodicarboxylates are reported. In the presence of 0.1-5 mol % of a quinidine-derived alkaloid β-ICD, optically active quaternary hydrazine adducts are obtained in very high yields and with enantioselectivities up to >98% ee. A two-step procedure for the cleavage of the hydrazine N-N bond using SmI2 is also demonstrated. Copyright © 2004 American Chemical Society.