Improvements and Applications of the Transition Metal-Free Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation using Grignard Reagents and Magnesium Alanates

Two new N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands have been synthesized and employed in the transition metal-free asymmetric allylic alkylation (AAA) mediated by Grignard reagents and magnesium alanates. The employment of these ligands showed high yields and improved regio- and enantio-selectivity in the formation of tertiary and quaternary stereocenters. Moreover, the low catalyst loading (up to 0.3 mol%) and high scalability (up to 10 mmol) of this improved methodology provide a convenient access to biologically active compounds and synthetically valuable intermediates.