Iridium(III)-bis(imidazolinyl)phenyl catalysts for enantioselective C-H functionalization with ethyl diazoacetate

The intermolecular enantioselective C-H functionalization with acceptor-only metallocarbenes is reported using a new family of Ir(III)-bis(imidazolinyl)phenyl catalysts, developed based on the interplay of experimental and computational insights. The reaction is tolerant of a variety of diazoacetate precursors and is found to be heavily influenced by the steric and electronic properties of the substrate. Phthalan and dihydrofuran derivatives are functionalized in good yields and excellent enantioselectivities.