Triple Iron/Copper/Iminium Activation for the Efficient Redox Neutral Catalytic Enantioselective Functionalization of Allylic Alcohols

A detailed study of the enantioselective borrowing hydrogen functionalization of allylic alcohols has allowed us to improve our understanding of the reaction parameters affecting both rate and enantiocontrol. This subsequently led to the identification of a triple catalysis combination of iron catalysts, copper catalysts, and organo-catalysts. By this cooperative action among three distinct activation modes, a wide variety of allylic alcohols have been functionalized in improved typical 90% ee, providing rapid access to crucial synthetic building blocks.