A new type of ligand derived from N-terminal protected dipeptides in enantioselective addition of phenylacetylene to aromatic ketones at room temperature

A new type of ligand derived from N-terminal protected l-Phe-based dipeptides was found to be effective in catalyzing the enantioselective addition of phenylacetylene to aromatic ketones with up to 91% ee. The reaction required no other metal to promote than Et2Zn. The whole process was completed at room temperature and proceeded under very mild reaction conditions.

Graphical abstractA new type of ligand derived from N-terminal protected l-Phe-based dipeptides was found to be effective in catalyzing the enantioselective addition of phenylacetylene to aromatic ketones with up to 91% ee. The reaction required no other metal to promote than Et2Zn. The whole process was completed at room temperature and proceeded under very mild reaction conditions. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide