Iridium-Catalyzed Enantioconvergent Borrowing Hydrogen Annulation of Racemic 1,4-Diols with Amines

We present an enantioconvergent access to chiral N-heterocycles directly from simple racemic diols and primary amines, through a highly economical borrowing hydrogen annulation. The identification of a chiral amine-derived iridacycle catalyst was the key for achieving high efficiency and enantioselectivity in the one-step construction of two C-N bonds. This catalytic method enabled a rapid access to a wide range of diversely substituted enantioenriched pyrrolidines including key precursors to valuable drugs such as aticaprant and MSC 2530818.

Automated summary

We have developed an enantioconvergent approach to chiral N-heterocycles using racemic diols and primary amines via cost-effective borrowing hydrogen annulation. The discovery of a chiral amine-derived iridacycle catalyst was crucial for achieving high efficiency and enantioselectivity in the one-step formation of two C-N bonds. This catalytic method provides quick access to a diverse range of enantioenriched pyrrolidines, including key precursors for valuable drugs like aticaprant and MSC 2530818.