Iridium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Ring-Opening of Azabicyclic Alkenes with Phenols

The asymmetric ring-opening of azabicyclic alkenes with a variety of phenols is investigated using an iridium catalyst generated in situ from 2.5 mol % of [Ir(COD)Cl](2) and 5.0 mol % of (S)-BINAP, which afforded the corresponding 1,2-trans-phenoxyamino products in excellent yield (up to 92%) with moderate to good enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee). The trans-configuration of the product 4b was confirmed by X-ray crystallography.