Synthesis of optically active 2,3-substituted-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-4- quinolones using polyleucine

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)01249-0

Polyleucine catalyzes the asymmetric epoxidation of enone (1) in a non- aqueous medium to provide epoxy-ketones (2) and (3) (81 and 84% yields respectively; >98% ee). The epoxy-ketones (2) and (3) are subsequently cyclized to give 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-4-qui