Palladium- and Rhodium-Catalyzed Dynamic Kinetic Resolution of Racemic Internal Allenes Towards Chiral Pyrazoles

A complementing Pd- and Rh-catalyzed dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of racemic allenes leading to N-allylated pyrazoles is described. Such compounds are of enormous interest in medicinal chemistry as certified drugs and potential drug candidates. The new methods feature high chemo-, regio- and enantioselectivities aside from displaying a broad substrate scope and functional group compatibility. A mechanistic rational accounting for allene racemization and trans-alkene selectivity is discussed.