Enantiodivergent synthesis of trans-3,4-disubstituted succinimides by SmI2-mediated Reformatsky-type reaction

An enantiodivergent strategy for the synthesis of trans-3,4-disubstituted succinimides is reported. The key step is a highly trans-stereoselective SmI2-induced Reformatsky-type reaction of 4-substituted-O-benzoylated malimides with carbonyl compounds. Double chirality transmissions were performed with good to excellent diastereoselectivities.

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