A Synthetic Route to Chiral Benzo-Fused N-Heterocycles via Sequential Intramolecular Hydroamination and Asymmetric Hydrogenation of Anilino-Alkynes

An efficient sequential intramolecular hydroamination/asymmetric hydrogenation reaction under catalysis of a single chiral ruthenium complex or a binary system consisting of achiral gold complex and chiral ruthenium complex has been reported. A diverse range of enantioen-riched benzo-fused N-heterocycles, including 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline, indoline, and 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-benzo[b]-azepine derivatives, were obtained from anilino-alkynes in high yields (up to 98%) with moderate to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee) under mild conditions. This protocol features good functional group tolerance and high atom economy. Furthermore, this catalytic protocol is applicable to gram-scale synthesis of a naturally occurring alkaloid, (-)-Angustureine.