Cu(I)-Catalyzed Chemo- and Enantioselective Desymmetrizing C-O Bond Coupling of Acyl Radicals

Transition-metal-catalyzed enantioselective functionalization of acyl radicals has so far not been realized, probably due to their relatively high reactivity, which renders the chemoand stereocontrol challenging. Herein, we describe Cu(I)-catalyzed enantioselective desymmetrizing C-O bond coupling of acyl radicals. This reaction is compatible with (hetero)aryl and alkyl aldehydes and, more importantly, displays a very broad scope of challenging alcohol substrates, such as 2,2-disubstituted 1,3-diols, 2-substituted-2-chloro-1,3-diols, 2-substituted 1,2,3-triols, 2 -substituted serinols, and meso primary 1,4-diols, providing enantioenriched esters characterized by challenging acyclic tetrasubstituted carbon stereocenters. Partnered by one-or two-step follow-up transformations, this reaction provides a convenient and practical strategy for the rapid preparation of chiral C3 building blocks from readily available alcohols, particularly the industrially relevant glycerol. Mechanistic studies supported the proposed C-O bond coupling of acyl radicals.

Automated summary

Transition-metal-catalyzed enantioselective functionalization of acyl radicals has been achieved through Cu(I)-catalyzed enantioselective desymmetrizing C-O bond coupling. This reaction shows broad substrate scope, allowing for the synthesis of enantioenriched esters with challenging acyclic tetrasubstituted carbon stereocenters. With subsequent transformations, this reaction provides a convenient strategy for the rapid preparation of chiral C3 building blocks, especially from glycerol, which is industrially relevant. Mechanistic studies support the proposed C-O bond coupling of acyl radicals.