Stereoselective Synthesis of Piperidines by Iridium-Catalyzed Cyclocondensation

An iridium-catalyzed cyclocondensation of amino alcohols and aldehydes is reported. Intramolecular allylic substitution by an enamine intermediate and subsequent in situ reduction furnishes 3,4-disubstituted piperidines with high enantiospecificity and good diastereoselectivity. The modular approach and the broad functional group tolerance provide access to diverse piperidine derivatives, which were further functionalized to give a versatile set of products.