Biodegradable Chitosan-Derived Thioureas as Recoverable Supported Organocatalysts – Application to the Stereoselective Aza-Henry Reaction

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/ejoc.201700582

Eight different biodegradable chitosan-supported bifunctional chiral thioureas have been prepared as a greener and more sustainable alternative to those supported on petrochemical-derived polymers. These organocatalysts promoted an enantioselective aza-He

Full text of DOI:10.1002/ejoc.201700582

A Journal of
Accepted Article
Title: Novel Biodegradable Chitosan-derived Thioureas as
Recoverable Supported Organocatalysts. Application to the
Stereoselective Aza-Henry Reaction.
Authors: Rafael Pedrosa, José María Andrés, Alicia Maestro, Fernando
González, and María Valle
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To be cited as: Eur. J. Org. Chem. 10.1002/ejoc.201700582
Link to VoR: http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/ejoc.201700582
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10.1002/ejoc.201700582
European Journal of Organic Chemistry
Novel Biodegradable Chitosan-derived Thioureas as Recoverable Supported
Organocatalysts. Application to the Stereoselective Aza-Henry Reaction.
José M. Andrés,*[a] Fernando González,[a] Alicia Maestro,[a] Rafael Pedrosa,*[a]
and María Valle[a]
[a]
Instituto CINQUIMA and Departamento de Química Orgánica. Facultad de
Ciencias, Universidad de Valladolid. Paseo de Belén 7, 47011-Valladolid. Spain
E-mail: pedrosa@qo.uva.es
Web: http://sintesisasimetrica.blogs.uva.es
Abstract.
Eight different biodegradable, grafted chitosan with bifunctional chiral thioureas have
been prepared as a greener and more sustainable alternative to those supported on
petrochemical-derived polymers. These organocatalysts are able to promote the
enantioselective aza-Henry reaction with good yields and enantioselection. The
activity and stereoselectivity of those materials are dependent on the accessibility of
the reactants to the active site, and they increase with the length of the tether
connecting the thiourea and the biopolymer. The best catalyst can be recovered and
recycled for five times without loss of activity.
Key words: Aza-Henry reaction; Asymmetric catalysis; Catalyst recycling; Chitosan;
Supported thioureas.
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10.1002/ejoc.201700582
European Journal of Organic Chemistry
Introduction
The recovering and reusing of the catalysts constitute one of the main problems in
organocatalyzed reactions. A valuable solution consists on the use of the active
molecule supported on different solid materials, which allows for the easily recycling
of the catalysts.[1] Inorganic compounds,[2] and different commercially available
polystyrene resins[3] have been used as supports. In a different approach, some of
these catalysts have been bottom-up synthesized by co-polymerization of the
functionalized monomers.[4]
Recently, and related with the increasing concern about environment impact, efforts
are being driven to the substitution of petrochemical-derived materials to natural
polymers, increasing the greenness of the chemical processes.[5] In that way, chitosan
which is a natural polysaccharide obtained by partial deacetylation of Chitin,[6] has
attracted particular attention. Chitosan is a co-polymer constituted by -2-amino-2-
deoxy-D-glucopyranose and 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucopiranose units, and
consequently, it is insoluble in organic solvents and has a lot of easily
functionalizable amino groups, which allow for its chemical modification,[7] including
the formation of some thioureas used as a source of chitosan isothiocyanates,[8] or
macromolecular fluorophores for different applications.[9]
Chitosan itself has been used as recyclable catalyst for a series of organic
transformations, including Knoevenagel, Henry, and aldol reactions,[10] and to
enhance copper adsorption.[11] Grafted chitosan with ammonium halides catalyzed the
cycloaddition of CO2 with epoxides leading to cyclic carbonates,[12] whereas pyridine
derivatives[13] or chitosan-grafted sulfonic acid[14] promote the synthesis of different
heterocycles. Supported metal species on chitosan have also been used as catalysts in
different transformations.[15]
It has recently been demonstrated that aerogel and hydrogel chitosan is able to
transfer its inherent chirality in stereoselective aldol reactions,[16] but the support of
chiral molecules on chitosan and their study as catalysts in stereoselective
transformations have attracted less attention.[17] In that way, anchored chiral
dihydronicotinamide derivatives have used in enantioselective reduction of -keto
esters in low enantiomeric excesses.[18] Chitosan grafted with L-proline catalyzed
enantioselective direct aldol,[19] and Henry[20] reactions, whereas asymmetric Michael
additions have been promoted by chitosan decorated with quinine and cinchonine.[21]
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10.1002/ejoc.201700582
European Journal of Organic Chemistry
The interest of chitosan as a biodegradable natural polymer led us to consider the
synthesis of supported chiral bifunctional thioureas on this polysaccharide as a
greener alternative to that previously described by us on synthetic resins.[22] Now we
report on the synthesis of a series of chiral bifunctional thioureas anchored on
chitosan, and their use as catalysts for the stereoselective aza-Henry reaction.[23]
Results and discussion
It is well known that the effectiveness of a supported catalyst is dependent not only on
the activity of the catalytic structure but also on the accessibility of the reactants to the
active site. For the present study, we have prepared eight supported catalysts (16-23),
which differ in the length of the tether linking the biopolymer and the thiourea, the
substituent at the stereogenic carbon of the thioureas unit, and the position of the
stereocenter in the chain.
Because the enlargement of the chain was planed by reductive amination, protected
amino aldehydes 1, 2, 6, and 7 were prepared from cheap and commercially available
amino alcohols as summarized in Scheme 1. N-Boc 3-aminopropanal[24] (1), and
Fmoc 5-aminopentanal[25] (2) were obtained, in two steps, from 3-aminopropanol and
5-aminopentanol, respectively. 6-(N-methylamino) hexanol (3) was prepared by total
LAH reduction[26] of Boc-6-amino hexanoic acid, and reacted with Boc-L-valine or
Boc-L-phenylalanine to yield hydroxyamides 4 and 5, respectively, in excellent
yields. Chemoselective reduction of these compounds to the corresponding Boc-
diamino alcohols, followed by Swern oxidation yielded chiral protected amino
aldehydes 6 and 7, maintaining the stereochemical integrity.[27]
Ref. 24
Ref. 25
FmocHN
BocHN
MeHN
H2N
OH
O
3
H2N
OH
O
O
3
1
2
O
R
ii
Ref. 26
N
O
i
R
4
N
OH
4
OH
BocHN
R
OH
NH
4
4
Boc
NH
3
6 R = iPr
7 R = Bn
4 R = iPr
5 R = Bn
Boc
Ref. 22c
R
NMe2
NMe2
NH2
NCS
10 R = iPr
11 R = Bn
8 R = iPr
9 R = Bn
Scheme 1. Synthesis of starting aminoaldehydes and isothiocyanates. Reagents and
conditions: (i) Boc-L-Val or Boc-L-Phe, DCC, CH2Cl2, 0 ºC to rt. (ii) 1. LiAlH4 (3
equiv), THF, 0 ºC, 3h. 2. (COCl)2, DMSO, Et3N, CH2Cl2, −78°C.
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10.1002/ejoc.201700582
European Journal of Organic Chemistry
Chiral isothiocyanates 10 and 11[22c] were used to obtain thioureas (18-21), which
differ in the position of the stereogenic center in the chain with respect to 22 and 23.
These isothiocyanates were obtained by reaction of diamines 8 and 9[28] with carbon
disulfide in triethylamine, followed by treatment with ditertbutyl dicarbonate, and
catalytic DMAP in ethanol.[29]
The anchorage of thioureas on the biopolymer was done taking into account the
reactivity of the amino group in the pyranose unit in a raw commercially available
chitosan,[30] with a deacetylation degree of 94.5%.[31] The simplest supported thiourea
16 was directly prepared by reacting excess of 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl) phenyl
isothiocyanate with a solution of chitosan in a mixture (1/4, v/v) of 5 % aqueous
o
AcOH and methanol at 36 C for 24 h, and thiourea 17, with an additional
stereocenter, was obtained by treatment for 73 h of chitosan with isothiocyanate 10,
derived from L-valine, in the same reaction conditions (Scheme 2).
OH
O
OH
O
O
OH
HO
H
iii
iv
vi
O
O
O
O
S
R
O
HN
N
CF3
O
HO
HO
HN
HN
N
N
S
NH2
16 (f = 1.65)
H
H
N
12
18 R = iPr (f = 1,33)
19 R = Bn (f = 1,39)
CF3
i
OH
OH
OH
vi
NH2
O
O
O
O
HO
O
O
O
HO
S
R
O
O
HO
HN
HN
OH
NH2
ii
N
N
3
H
H
N
13
20 R = iPr (f = 0.67)
21 R = Bn (f = 0.48)
OH
O
CF3
OH
O
vii
O
O
O
O
HO
v
R
S
O
O
HO
HO
O
H
N
R
HN
HN
N
N
N
CF3
HN
N
H
H
4
S
NH2
14 R = iPr
15 R = Bn
22 R = iPr (f = 1,73)
23 R = Bn (f = 1.55)
NMe2
17 (f = 0.63)
Scheme 2. Reagents and conditions: (i) 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3NCS (3 equiv), 5%
AcOH/MeOH (1/4, v/v). (ii) 10 (3 equiv), 5 % AcOH/MeOH (1/4, v/v). (iii) 1. 1 (1.5
equiv), 0.33% HOAc-MeOH, 1h; then NaCNBH3 (5 equiv), 24h. 2. TFA, CH2Cl2, rt,
24h. (iv) 1. 2 (1.5 equiv), 0.33% AcOH-MeOH, 1h; then NaCNBH3 (5 equiv), 24h. 2.
20% NH3, rt, 24h. (v) 1. 6 or 7, AcOH-MeOH, 1h, then NaCNBH3, 24h. 2. TFA,
CH2Cl2, rt, 24h. (vi) Isothiocyanate 10 or 11 (2 equiv), MeCN, MW (65 ºC, 6 x 3 min,
150W). (vii) 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3NCS, MeCN, MW (65 ºC, 4 x 3min, 150W).
Thioureas 18-23 were prepared from chitosan as summarized in Scheme 2. First, the
installation of the chain into the chitosan structure was carried out by reaction of
amino aldehydes 1, 2, 6, and 7 (1.5 equivalents) with a solution of chitosan in
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10.1002/ejoc.201700582
European Journal of Organic Chemistry
AcOH/MeOH for 1 h at rt, followed by addition of NaCNBH3 and stirring for 24 h.
The intermediates were isolated from the reaction mixture by precipitation with
EtOH, and thoroughly washed with DCM. The hydrolysis of the Boc derivatives with
TFA in DCM lead to supported amines 12, 14, and 15, whereas 13 was obtained after
deprotection of the Fmoc intermediate with an aqueous solution of NH3. Thioureas 18
and 19, were obtained from 12 by heating under MW irradiation with excess of chiral
isothiocyanates 10 and 11, respectively, whereas 20 and 21 were prepared in the same
way starting from amine 13. Thioureas 22 and 23 were synthesized by reaction of
amines 14 and 15 with bis-3,5-(trifluromethyl) phenyl isothiocyanate.
The characterization of the final thioureas was established on the basis of their IR
absorption bands, and the effective functionalization (f) was calculated from the
analytical data of the sulfur atom in the final products.
The activity of all the catalysts was tested taking as a model the aza-Henry reaction of
N-Boc benzaldimine (24a) with nitromethane (25a). The reactions were run in
heterogeneous conditions (without solvent), in 6 fold excess of nitromethane at room
temperature, with 10 mol% of catalyst. In the described experimental conditions, the
reactants were recovered unchanged after stirring for 40 h. in the presence of chitosan,
indicating that the biopolymer is inactive as catalyst in that transformation.
Interestingly, thioureas 16 and 17 were also unable to promote the aza-Henry reaction
in the same reaction conditions, probably because the difficulties of the reactants to
approach the encumbered backbone of the grafted catalysts. In both cases, only
benzaldehyde, resulting from the hydrolysis of the imine, was isolated from the
reaction mixture in 60-80% after 20 h. of reaction. Fortunately, the distance of the
thiourea to the backbone of the biopolymer facilitates the accessibility of the reagents
to the active site increasing the activity of the catalyst.
Catalysts 18-21 worked well in the addition of 25a to 24a, leading to 26aa in good
yields although moderate enantioselectivities (entries 1-4 in Table 1), but the best
results were obtained with catalysts 22 and 23. These catalysts with the longer spacer
and the higher activation, provided by the 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl) phenyl substituent
at the thiourea, yielded the addition product in higher yields and much better
enantioselection (entries 5, 6). Additionally, catalyst loading of 23 can be reduced to 5
mol% maintaining the yield and enantioselection without decreasing the reaction rate
significantly (entry 7 in Table 1). These results are very similar to those previously
obtained for the reaction catalyzed by polystyrene-supported thioureas. [4o, 22a]
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European Journal of Organic Chemistry
Table 1. Screening of different catalysts for the aza-Henry reaction of 24a and 25a.
NHBoc
NO2
catalyst (x mol%)
NBoc
CH3NO2
neat, r.t.
25a
26aa
24a
Entry[a]
Yield (%)[b] Er[c]
Catalyst mol% Time (h)
1
2
3
4
5
6
10
10
10
10
10
10
5
22
20
22
30
30
10
14
65
62
72
65
70
72
70
86:14
88:12
82:18
82:18
92:8
18
19
20
21
22
23
23
93:7
93:7
7
[a]
[b]
Reactions were conducted at 0.3 mmol scale in 0.1 mL of nitromethane (6 equiv). Isolated yield.
Enantiomeric ratio determined by HPLC analysis using a chiral column, and absolute configuration
[c]
was determined by comparison of the HPLC retention time with that of literature data.
Catalyst 23 (5 mol%) was selected to test the stereoselection in the reaction of
different substituted aryl aldimines 24b-f with nitroalkanes 25a-c in the described
reaction conditions (Table 2). All reactions occurred easily, leading to the addition
products in good yields. Substrates with electron-withdrawing groups reacted faster
than those bearing electron-donor substituents (compare entries 2-4 versus 5, 6 in
Table 2), maintaining good level of enantioselection except for p-nitro and p-
methoxy-substituted aldimines, which lead to 26da and 26fa in only moderate
enantioselectivity.
The level of stereoselection was only moderate for the reaction of the parent
benzaldimine (24a) with nitroethane (25b), leading to 26ab in 89:11 er and 78:22 dr.
Much better results were obtained when nitropropane (25c) was used as nucleophile,
yielding 26ac in very good enantioselectivity and good diastereoselectivity (entry 8 in
Table 2). That fact has been previously observed for aza-Henry reactions promoted by
supported thioureas.[22a]
The recovery and recyclability of the catalyst were studied for 23 in the model
addition of nitromethane (25a) to N-Boc benzaldimine (24a). The reaction was
carried out without solvent, at room temperature, 5 mol% of catalyst, and a fixed time
of reaction of 14 h. After each cycle, the catalyst was recovered by filtration, washed
with DCM, dried under vacuum, and reused in the next cycle. The results collected in
Table 3 shown that the enantioselection was maintained, and the yield decreased only
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10.1002/ejoc.201700582
European Journal of Organic Chemistry
slightly along five cycles, demonstrating that the catalyst is very stable, and it does
not suffer significant deterioration during the set of cycles studied.
Table 2. Aza-Henry reaction of different aldimines and nitroalkanes catalyzed by 23.
NBoc
NHBoc
NO2
23 (5 mol%)
RCH2NO2
R
neat, r.t.
X
X
24a-f
25a-c
26aa-26fa
Entry[a]
Er[c]
Dr[c]
X/R
Time (h) Product
(Yield)[b]
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
H/H
CF3/H
Cl/H
NO2/H
CH3/H 20
MeO/H 36
14
6
9
26aa (70) 93:7
26ba (72) 94:6
26ca (74) 92:8
26da (68) 87:13
26ea (66) 92:8
26fa (76) 81:19
-
-
-
-
-
-
7
H/Me
H/Et
14
18
26ab (71) 89:11[d] 78:22
26ac (82) 95:5[d] 84:16
[a] The reactions were carried out with imines 24a-f (0.3 mmol) and nitroalkane 25a-c (6 equiv) at room
[b]
[c]
temperature in the presence of the catalyst (0.05 equiv).
Isolated yield after chromatography.
Enantiomeric and diastereomeric ratio determined by HPLC analysis using a chiral column and
absolute configuration was determined by comparison of the HPLC retention time with that of
literature data. [d] Values refer to the major anti diastereoisomers.
Table 3. Recyclability of thiourea 23 in the addition of 25a to 24a.
Yield[a] Er[b]
Entry Catalyst Cycle t (h)
(mol%)
1
2
3
4
5
23 (5)
23 (5)
23 (5)
23 (5)
23 (5)
1
2
3
4
5
14
14
14
14
14
74
68
70
66
64
92:8
93:7
93:7
92:8
92:8
[a] Isolated yield after column chromatography.[b] Determined by chiral HPLC.
Conclusions
We have demonstrated that biodegradable biopolymer chitosan can be used as a
greener alternative to petrochemical-derived polymers for supporting chiral
bifunctional thioureas. The activity of the grafted material is dependent on the length
of the spacer joining the polymer to the active thiourea. In that way, both chitosan and
thioureas directly attached to the polymer are inactive as organocatalysts in
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10.1002/ejoc.201700582
European Journal of Organic Chemistry
enantioselective aza-Henry reaction, and the activity increases with the length of the
tether. The best catalyst (23) corresponds to a bis-3,5-(trifluromethyl) phenyl
isothiocyanate-derived thiourea with a chain of six carbon atoms connecting the
active site with the polymer. That catalyst can be reused for five cycles without
apparent loss of activity.
Experimental part
General
1H NMR (500 MHz) and 13C NMR (126 MHz) spectra were recorded in CDCl3 as
solvent. For protons, chemical shifts are reported in ppm from TMS with the residual
CHCl3 resonance as internal reference. Chemical shifts for carbons are reported in
ppm from TMS and are referenced to the carbon resonance of the solvent. Data are
reported as follows: chemical shift, multiplicity (s = singlet, d = doublet, t = triplet, q
= quartet, m = multiplet, br = broad), coupling constants in Hertz, and integration.
Infrared spectra were recorded on a Perkin–Elmer Spectrum One FT–IR spectrometer
and are reported in frequency of absorption. Specific rotations were measured on a
Perkin–Elmer 341 digital polarimeter using a cell with a 1-dm path length, and a
sodium lamp, and concentration is given in g per 100 mL. Flash chromatography was
carried out using silica gel (230–240 mesh). Chemical yields refer to pure isolated
compounds.
TLC analysis was performed on glass-backed plates coated with silica gel 60 and an
F254 indicator, and visualized by either staining with phosphomolybdic acid solution
or under UV irradiation. Chiral HPLC analysis was performed on a JASCO HPLC
system (JASCO PU-2089 pump and UV-2075 UV/Vis detector), using a Daicel
Chiralpak AD-H or Chiralcel OJ analytical columns (250 x 4.6 mm). UV detection
was monitored at 210, 220 or 254 nm.
Elemental analysis were carried out at the Elemental Analysis Center of the
Complutense University of Madrid, using a Perkin Elmer 2400 CHN. ESI mass
spectra were obtained on an Agilent 5973 inert GC/MS system.
Commercially available compounds were used without further purification. Solvents
were dried and stored over microwave–activated 4 Å molecular sieves. Chitosan
(molecular weight: 600,000-800,000) was purchased from ACROS Organics.
Protected amino aldehydes 1[24] and 2[25], amino alcohol 3[26], isothiocyanates 10[22c]
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10.1002/ejoc.201700582
European Journal of Organic Chemistry
[22a]
and 11[22c] and Boc-imines 24a–f
were prepared according to literature
procedures. Racemic reference samples were prepared by using DABCO (5 mol %)
following the same procedure as described below.
tert-Butyl
(S)-(1-((6-Hydroxyhexyl)(methyl)amino)-3-methyl-1-oxobutan-2-yl)
carbamate (4). Boc-L-valine (2.69 g, 12.4 mmol, 1.25 equiv) and N,N’-
dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) (2.5 g, 12.4 mmol, 1.25 equiv) were dissolved in
dichloromethane (30 mL) and cooled down to 0 ºC. After the solution was stirred for
30 min, a solution of 6-(methylamino) hexan-1-ol (3) (1.3 g, 9.9 mmol, 1 equiv) in
anhydrous DCM (5 mL) was added. After the addition was complete, the mixture was
warmed to room temperature and stirred for another 10 h. After filtration and removal
of solvent at reduced pressure, the residue was purified by flash column
chromatography on silica gel (eluent, hexane/ethyl acetate: 4/1) to yield 4.0 g of
20
1
amide 4 (9.7 mmol, 98%) as colorless oil. [α]D = +15.4 (c = 1, CHCl3). H NMR
(500 MHz, CDCl3) δ 5.28 (d, J = 9.7 Hz, 1H, NH); 4.39 (m, 1H, CHN); 3.57 (m, 2H,
CH2OH); 3.43 (m, 1H, CHHN); 3.22 (m, 1H, CHHN); 3.03 (s, 1.7H, CH3N); 2.89 (s,
1.3H, CH3N); 1.90 (m, 1H, CH(CH3)2); 1.51 (m, 4H, CH2); 1.38 (s, 9H, (CH3)3C);
13
1.44-1.20 (m, 2H, CH2); 0.93-0.85 (m, 6H,CH3). C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl3) δ
172.1 and 172.0 (CON); 155.9 and 155.7 (CO2tBu); 79.4 and 79.3 (C(CH3)3); 62.5
and 62.4 (CH2OH); 55.0 and 54.8 (CHN); 49.6 and 47.6 (CH2N); 35.3 (CH3N); 32.5
(CH2CH2OH); 32.0 and 31.3 (CH(CH3)2); 28.3 (CH3)3C); 26.8 (CH2); 26.1 (CH2);
25.1 (CH2); 19.6 and 19.5 (CH3); 17.3 and 17.2 (CH3). IR (ATR) 3435, 3321, 2967,
2931, 2861, 1703, 1633, 1491, 1369, 1243, 1170, 1084, 1043, 1015, 881, 637 cm-1.
HRMS calcd. for C17H34N2O4 +H: 331.2591; found: 331.2596.
tert-Butyl (S)-(1-((6-Hydroxyhexyl)(methyl)amino)-1-oxo-3-phenylpropan-2-yl)
carbamate (5). Obtained by reaction of 3 (1.50 g, 11.5 mmol) with Boc-L-
phenylalanine (3.80 g, 14.3 mmol) in the presence of DCC by the procedure described
for the preparation of 4 and purified by flash column chromatography on silica gel
(hexane/EtOAc: 2/1). Yield: 4.1 g (10.9 mmol, 95%). Colorless oil. [α]D20 = +22.9 (c
1
= 1, CHCl3). H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3) δ 7.24-7.16 (m, 5H, Har); 5.40 (br s, 1H,
NH); 4.75 (m, 1H, CHN); 3.59 (t, J = 6.4 Hz, 2H, CH2OH); 3.23 (m, 2H, CH2Ph);
2.92 (m, 2H, CH2N); 2.81 (s, 1.2H, CH3N); 2.60 (s, 1.8H, CH3N); 2.33 (brs, 1H, OH);
1.50 (m, 2H, CH2); 1.38 and 1.37 (s, 9H, CH3); 1.43-1.29 (m, 4H, CH2); 1.20 (m, 2H,
CH2). 13C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl3) δ 171.4 (CON); 155.1 and 154.9 (CO2tBu); 136.4
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10.1002/ejoc.201700582
European Journal of Organic Chemistry
(Car); 129.4, 128.3, 126.8, 126.8 (CHar); 79.6 and 79.5 (C(CH3)3); 62.5 and 62.4
(CH2OH); 51.5 and 51.1 (CHN); 49.2 and 47.8 (CH2N); 40.6 and 40.1 (CH2Ph); 34.9
(CH3N); 32.4 (CH2); 28.3 (CH3); 26.7 (CH2); 26.2 (CH2); 25.2 (CH2). IR (ATR)
3429, 3319, 2973, 2932, 2854, 1701, 1632, 1493, 1452, 1363, 1249, 1163, 1053,
1020, 731, 698 cm-1. HRMS calcd. for C21H34N2O4 +H: 379.2592; found: 379.2591.
tert-Butyl (S)-(3-Methyl-1-(methyl(6-oxohexyl)amino)butan-2-yl) carbamate (6).
A solution of amide 4 (2.3 g, 6.96 mmol) in anhydrous THF (10 mL) was added
dropwise to a suspension of LiAlH4 (0.79 g, 20.9 mmol, 3 equiv) in anhydrous THF
(30 mL) at 0 ºC and the mixture was stirred under nitrogen atmosphere for 1 h. Then,
the suspension was sequentially treated at 0 °C with water (0.8 mL), aq. 15% NaOH
solution (0.8 mL) and water (3 x 0.8 mL) and stirred for 2h. The white solids were
removed by filtration and washed with Et2O. The filtrate was evaporated on the
rotavapor and the residue was purified by flash column chromatography on silica gel
(EtOAc/MeOH: 5/1) to yield the corresponding Boc-diamino alcohol as colorless oil
(1.45 g, 4.6 mmol, 66%). [α]D20 = +4.4 (c = 1, CHCl3). 1H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3) δ
4.60 (br s, 1H); 3.60 (m, 2H, CH2OH); 3.55 (m, 1H, CHN); 2.35 (m, CHHN); 2.27
(m, 3H, CHHN and CH2N); 2.18 (s, 3H, CH3N); 1.89 (m, 1H, CH(CH3)2); 1.54 (m,
2H, CH2); 1.42 (s, 9H, (CH3)3C); 1.39-1.20 (m, 6H, CH2); 0.88 (d, J = 6.8 Hz, 3H,
CH3); 0.83 (d, J = 6.9 Hz, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl3) δ 156.2 (CO2tBu);
78.9 (C(CH3)3); 62.7 (CH2OH); 58.7 (CHN); 57.5 (CH2N); 52.9 (CH2N); 42.4
(CH3N); 32.6 (CH2); 29.9 (CH(CH3)2; 28.4 (CH3)3C); 26.9 (2 CH2); 25.6 (CH2); 18.9
(CH3); 17.1 (CH3). IR (ATR) 3325, 2930, 2857, 2800, 1690, 1527, 1503, 1463, 1389,
1365, 1247, 1170, 1052, 865, 735 cm-1. HRMS calcd. for C17H36N2O3 +H: 317.2799;
found: 317.2804.
To a stirred solution of oxalyl chloride (0.25 mL, 3.0 mmol, 1.35 equiv) in anhydrous
CH2Cl2 (6 mL) cooled to -78 ºC under nitrogen atmosphere was added DMSO (0.44
mL, 6.2 mmol, 2.8 equiv). After stirring the mixture for 15 min, a solution of the
above Boc-protected derivative (0.71 g, 2.2 mmol, 1.0 equiv) in anhydrous CH2Cl2 (6
mL) was added portion wise, and the mixture was stirred for 1 h at -78 ºC before
addition of triethylamine (0.9 mL, 6.3 mmol, 3.0 equiv). Then the reaction was
allowed to warm to rt under stirring for 1 h and the mixture was quenched with water
(6 mL). The aqueous phase was extracted with CH2Cl2 (3 x 5 mL), and the combined
organic layers were washed with saturated aqueous NaHCO3 solution and brine. The
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10.1002/ejoc.201700582
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organic phase was dried (MgSO4) and concentrated to give compound 6 as colorless
20
1
oil (0.68 g, 2.16 mmol, 98%). [α]D = +4.2 (c = 1, CHCl3). H NMR (500 MHz,
CDCl3) δ 9.74 (t, J = 1.9 Hz, 1H, CHO); 4.55 (br s, 1H, NH); 3.56 (m, 1H, CHN);
2.41 (m, 2H, CH2CHO); 2.35 (m, 1H, CHHN); 2.29 (m, 3H, CHHN and CH2); 2.19
(s, 3H, CH3N); 1.90 (m, 1H, CH(CH3)2); 1.62 (quintuplet, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H, CH2); 1.44
(m, 2H, CH2); 1.42 (s, 9H, (CH3)3C); 1.31 (m, 2H, CH2); 0.89 (d, J = 6.9 Hz, 3H,
CH3); 0.83 (d, J = 6.9 Hz, 3H, CH3). 13C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl3) δ 202.6 (CHO);
156.1 (CO2tBu); 78.9 (C(CH3)3); 58.8 (CHN); 57.5 (CH2N); 52.9 (CH2N); 43.8
(CH2CO); 42.4 (CH3N); 29.9 (CH(CH3)2); 28.4 (CH3)3C); 26.9 (CH2); 26.8 (CH2);
21.9 (CH2); 18.9 (CH3); 17.1 (CH3). IR (ATR) 3325, 2930, 2849, 2796, 1698, 1519,
1459, 1389, 1365, 1243, 1170, 1088, 1043, 865, 779, 735, 641 cm-1. HRMS calcd. for
C17H34N2O3 +H: 315.2645; found: 315.2642.
tert-Butyl (S)-(1-(Methyl(6-oxohexyl)amino)-3-phenylpropan-2-yl) carbamate
(7). Boc–amide 5 (1.94 g, 5.15 mmol) was reacted with LAH (0.59 g, 15.45 mmol) in
THF at 0 ºC for 1h as described for 4 and the residue was purified by flash
chromatography (EtOAc/MeOH: 7/1) to afford Boc-protected diamino alcohol (1.2 g,
3.3 mmol, 64%) as a colorless oil. [α]D20 = +8.7 (c = 1, CHCl3). 1H NMR (500 MHz,
CDCl3) δ 7.30-7.18 (m, 5H, Har); 4.73 (br s, 1H, NH); 3.85 (m, 1H, CHN); 3.62 (t, J
= 6.5 Hz, 2H, CH2OH); 2.89 (m, 1H, CHHPh); 2.83 (m, 1H, CHHPh); 2.40-2.22 (m,
4H, CH2N); 2.19 (s, 3H, CH3N); 1.55 (m, 2H, CH2); 1.41 (s, 9H, (CH3)3C); 1.34 (m,
4H, CH2). 13C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl3) δ 155.8 (CO2tBu); 138.1 (Car); 129.6, 128.2,
126.2 (CHar); 79.2 (C(CH3)3); 62.7 (CH2OH); 60.2 (CHN); 57.5 (2 CH2N); 42.2
(CH3N); 39.2 (CH2Ph); 32.6 (CH2); 28.4 (CH3)3C); 27.0 (CH2); 26.9 (CH2); 25.5
(CH2). IR (ATR) 3356, 2973, 2932, 2855, 2798, 1689, 1498, 1453, 1363, 1249, 1167,
1049, 743, 699 cm-1. HRMS calcd. for C21H36N2O3 +H: 365.2799; found: 365.2795.
The Boc-protected diamino alcohol (0.5 g, 1.37 mmol) was submitted to Swern
20
oxidation as described for 6 to yield 7 (0.47 g, 1.3 mmol, 95%). Colorless oil. [α]D
=
1
+4.3 (c = 1, CHCl3). H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3) δ 9.73 (t, J = 1.8 Hz, 1H, CHO);
7.31-7.25 (m, 2H, Har); 7.22-7.15 (m, 3H, Har); 4.66 (br s, 1H, NH); 3.84 (m, 1H,
CHN)); 2.90 (m, 1H, CHHPh); 2.82 (dd, J = 13.5, 6.4 Hz, 1H, CHHPh); 2.42 (td, J =
7.5, 2.0 Hz, 2H, CH2CHO); 2.36-2.21 (m, 4H, CH2N); 2.18 (s, 3H, CH3N); 1.63
(quintuplet, J = 7.5 Hz, 2H, CH2); 1.48-1.38 (m, 2H, CH2); 1.42 (s, 9H, (CH3)3C);
13
1.33 (m, 2H, CH2). C NMR (126 MHz, CDCl3) δ 202.6 (CHO); 155.7 (CO2tBu);
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138.1 (Car); 129.6, 128.2, 126.2 (CHar); 79.0 (C(CH3)3); 60.3 (CHN); 57.4 (CH2N);
53.4 (CH2N); 43.8 (CH2); 42.2 (CH3N); 28.4 (CH3)3C); 26.9 (CH2); 26.8 (CH2); 22.0
(CH2). IR (ATR) 2977, 2932, 2854, 2801, 1705, 1498, 1452, 1363, 1249, 1167, 1049,
1024, 735, 702 cm-1. HRMS calcd. for C21H34N2O3 +H: 363.2642; found: 363.2643.
Compound Boc-12. A solution of chitosan (209 mg, 1.30 mmol) in aqueous AcOH
(0.33% v/v, 24 mL), was diluted with MeOH (24 mL) and Boc-amino aldehyde 1
(366 mg, 1.82 mmol, 1.4 equiv) in MeOH (4 mL) was added. After stirring at room
temperature for 1h, NaCNBH3 (408 mg, 6.5 mmol, 5 equiv) was added and the
mixture stirred for 24 h. The reaction was stopped by precipitation with EtOH and
stirred for another hour. Then the product was isolated by filtration, thoroughly
washed with ethanol and DCM and dried under vacuum to give Boc-12 (393 mg,
95%). Yellow solid. IR (ATR) 3344, 2973, 2932, 2875, 2321, 1685, 1518, 1453,
1391, 1363, 1253, 1277, 1163, 1061, 1025, 862, 780, 564 cm-1.
Compound 12. Boc-12 (120 mg, 0.38 mmol) was suspended in a 4:1 mixture of
DCM/TFA (2.0 mL) and stirred at rt for 24 h. After this period, the solid was filtered
and washed with EtOH/Et3N 80:20 (10 mL) and DCM (10 mL). Then, the solid was
dried under vacuum to give 12 (58 mg, 70%). Yellow solid. IR (ATR) 3270, 2924,
2863, 1673, 1469, 1432, 1375, 1184, 1127, 1061, 1029, 837, 796, 719 cm-1.
Compound Fmoc-13. Chitosan (107 mg, 0.66 mmol) was dissolved in aq. 0.33%
(v/v) HOAc solution (13 mL), the resulting solution was diluted with MeOH (13 mL)
and Fmoc-protected amino aldehyde 2 (320 mg, 1.0 mmol, 1.5 equiv) in MeOH (4
mL) was added. After stirring at room temperature for 1h, NaCNBH3 (210 mg, 3.3
mmol, 5 equiv) was added to the mixture and stirred for 24 h. The reaction was
stopped by precipitation with EtOH and stirred for another hour. Then the product
was isolated by filtration, thoroughly washed with water, and methanol, and dried
under vacuum to give Fmoc-13 (272 mg, 88%). Colorless solid. IR (ATR) 3414,
3333, 2935, 2866, 1698, 1524, 1450, 1247, 1137, 1101, 1068, 1032, 759, 739, 666,
621 cm-1.
Compound 13. Fmoc-13 (0.270 g, 0.58 mmol) was stirred in aq. 35% NH3 solution (4
mL) for 24h. Then, EtOH (3 mL) was added and the precipitate was filtered and
washed repeatedly with water and acetone. The orange solid was dried under vacuum
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until constant weight (113 mg, 79%). IR (ATR) 3362, 2927, 2861, 1658, 1572, 1467,
1369, 1316, 1145, 1060, 1027, 901, 666 cm-1.
Compound Boc-14. This compound was prepared as described for Boc-12 but
starting from chitosan (183 mg, 1.14 mmol) and aldehyde 6 (500 mg, 1.59 mmol, 1.4
equiv) to give Boc-14 (471 mg, 90%) as a light yellow solid. IR (ATR): 3337, 2972,
2936, 2866, 2324, 1698, 1581, 1518, 1459, 1367, 1102, 862, 774, 733, 637, 612 cm-1.
Compound 14. This compound was prepared as described for 12, but starting from
Boc-14 (700 mg, 1.52 mmol) to give 14 (520 mg, 95% yield). Yellow solid. IR
(ATR): 3392, 2936, 2866, 1673, 1559, 1470, 1422, 1393, 1198, 1105, 829, 799, 719,
638, 612 cm-1.
Compound Boc-15. This compound was obtained from chitosan (100 mg, 0.62
mmol) by reaction with aldehyde 7 (315 mg, 0.87 mmol, 1.4 equiv) as described for
Boc-14 to give Boc-15 (220 mg, 70%). Yellow solid. IR (ATR): 3336, 2936, 2863,
2325, 2166, 1693, 1452, 1367, 1249, 1159, 1118, 1049, 1025, 752, 699 cm-1.
Compound 15. Boc-15 (160 mg, 0.32 mmol) was treated with a 4:1 mixture of
CH2Cl2/TFA (3 mL) as described for Boc-14 to give 15 (110 mg, 84% yield). Yellow
solid. IR (ATR): 3299, 2932, 2855, 1677, 1563, 1453, 1375, 1318, 1200, 1131, 1098,
1065, 1028, 902, 833, 800, 748, 699 cm-1.
Thiourea 16. Chitosan (100 mg, 0.62 mmol) was dissolved in aq. 5% (v/v) HOAc
solution (2.5 mL), the resulting solution was diluted with MeOH (10 mL) and 3,5-
bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl isothiocyanate (0.34 mL, 1.86 mmol, 3 equiv) was added.
After stirring at 36 ºC for 24h, the product was isolated by filtration, thoroughly
washed methanol and dried under vacuum to give thiourea 16 (147 mg, 75%). IR
(ATR): 3302, 2941, 2876, 1541, 1468, 1379, 1278, 1123, 1062, 1026, 953, 888, 681
cm-1. The effective functionalization, f = 1.65 mmol g-1, was calculated on the basis of
sulfur elemental analysis (C: 38.70, H: 3.98, N: 6.30, S: 5.28).
Thiourea 17. Chitosan (50 mg, 0.31 mmol) was dissolved in aq. 5% (v/v) HOAc
solution (1.25 mL), the resulting solution was diluted with MeOH (5 mL) and
isothiocyanate 10 (0.16 mL, 0.93 mmol, 3 equiv) was added. After stirring at 36 ºC
for 72h, the product was isolated by filtration, thoroughly washed methanol, and dried
under vacuum to give thiourea 17 (73 mg, 71%). IR (ATR): 3361, 3286, 2872, 2324,
1657, 1554, 1377, 1061, 1029, 734, 667 cm-1. The effective functionalization, f = 0.63
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European Journal of Organic Chemistry
mmol g-1, was calculated on the basis of sulfur elemental analysis (C: 36.39, H: 6.19,
N: 7.35, S: 2.00).
Thiourea 18. To a suspension of 12 (120 mg, 0.55 mmol) in MeCN (2 mL) was
added isothiocyanate 10 (197 mg, 1.1 mmol, 2 equiv) and the mixture was heated in
MW (65 ºC, 8 x 3 min, 150W). Then the solid was collected by filtration, washed, and
dried under vacuum to give 18 as a pale orange solid (142 mg, 66%). IR (ATR) 3280,
3081, 2930, 2874, 1710, 1674, 1548, 1467, 1373, 1304, 1182, 1149, 1064, 1023, 893,
799, 722 cm-1. The effective functionalization, f = 1.33 mmol g-1, was calculated on
the basis of sulfur elemental analysis (C: 41.35, H: 6.49, N: 9.06, S: 4.24).
Thiourea 19. The same procedure for thiourea 18 was followed, starting from 12 (72
mg, 0.33 mmol) and isothiocyanate 11 (145 mg, 0.66 mmol, 2 equiv) as reactants.
Yield: 82 mg (57%). Yellow solid. IR (ATR) 3287, 3067, 3026, 2928, 2863, 1673,
1542, 1497, 1457, 1355, 1200, 1175, 1127, 1029, 833, 800, 719, 699 cm-1. The
effective functionalization, f = 1.39 mmol g-1, was calculated on the basis of sulfur
elemental analysis (C: 42.43, H: 5.70, N: 8.58, S: 4.44).
Thiourea 20. To a suspension of 13 (50 mg, 0.2 mmol) in MeCN (2 mL) was added
isothiocyanate 10 (71 mg, 0.4 mmol, 2 equiv) and the mixture was heated in MW (65
ºC, 8 x 3 min, 150W). Then the solid was collected by filtration, washed, and dried
under vacuum to give 20 as an orange solid (43 mg, 51%). IR (ATR) 3280, 2927,
2853, 1544, 1463, 1369, 1145, 1060, 1027, 901, 816, 792, 674 cm-1. The effective
functionalization, f = 0.67 mmol g-1, was calculated on the basis of sulfur elemental
analysis (C: 40.47, H: 6.72, N: 8.53, S: 2.14).
Thiourea-21. The same procedure for thiourea 20 was followed, using 13 (200 mg,
0.81 mmol) and isothiocyanate 11 (357 mg, 1.6 mmol, 2 equiv) as reactants. Yield:
250 mg (74%). Orange solid. IR (ATR) 3311, 2925, 2862, 1540, 1452, 1371, 1304,
1150, 1061, 1025, 748, 726, 700, 564 cm-1. The effective functionalization, f = 0.48
mmol g-1, was calculated on the basis of sulfur elemental analysis (C: 55.98, H: 6.96,
N: 6.66, S: 1.55).
Thiourea 22. To a suspension of 14 (359 mg, 1.0 mmol) in MeCN (2 mL) was added
3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl isothiocyanate (0.55 mL, 3.0 mmol, 3 equiv) and the
mixture was heated in a MW (65 ºC, 4 x 3min, 150W). Then the solid was collected
by filtration, washed, and dried under vacuum to give 22 as a yellow solid (385 mg,
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61%). IR (ATR): 3297, 2939, 2877, 1713, 1676, 1544, 1474, 1378, 1278, 1105, 885,
848, 799, 723, 700, 682, 634, 616 cm-1. The effective functionalization, f = 1.73 mmol
g-1, was calculated on the basis of sulfur elemental analysis (C: 40.31, H: 4.13, N:
3.14, S: 5.55).
Thiourea 23. The same procedure for thiourea 22 was followed, starting from 15
(116 mg, 0.28 mmol) and 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl isothiocyanate (0.16 mL,
0.85 mmol, 3 equiv) as reactants. Yield: 176 mg (91%). Yellow solid. IR (ATR)
3287, 2940, 2867, 1714, 1530, 1473, 1375, 1273, 1167, 1123, 1065, 1029, 882, 845,
735, 699, 678 cm-1. The effective functionalization, f = 1.55 mmol g-1, was calculated
on the basis of sulfur elemental analysis (C: 41.29, H: 3.90, N: 6.06, S: 4.95).
General procedure to enantioselective Aza-Henry reaction using chitosan
supported thioureas as catalysts. To a mixture of Boc-imine 24a-f (0.3 mmol) and
catalyst (0.015-0.03 mmol, 0.05-0.1 equiv), nitroalkane (1.8 mmol, 6 equiv) was
added and the reaction mixture was stirred at rt in a wheaton vial until consumption of
the starting material (TLC). The catalyst was filtered off and washed. After removal
of the solvent under reduced pressure, the crude mixture was purified by flash column
chromatography to afford the corresponding product. The enantiomeric ratio was
determined by chiral-phase HPLC analysis using mixtures of hexane/isopropanol as
eluent.
Recyclability of the supported thiourea catalysts in aza-Henry reaction.
At the end of the aza-Henry reaction between Boc-imine and nitromethane, the
catalysts were filtered and washed. After being dried under vacuum, the supported
catalysts could be reused directly without further purification.
tert-Butyl (S)-(1-Phenyl) 2-nitroethyl carbamate (26aa).[32] Obtained according to
general procedure, using Boc-imine 24a (62 mg, 0.3 mmol), nitromethane (0.1 mL,
1.8 mmol) and thiourea 23 (10 mg, 0.015 mmol). The crude reaction mixture was
purified by flash column chromatography (hexane/ethyl acetate: 8:1) to yield
1
compound 26aa (56 mg, 0.21 mmol, 70%). Colorless solid. H-NMR (500 MHz,
CDCl3) δ 1.44 (s, 9H, CH3), 4.71 (m, 1H, CHHN), 4.85 (m, 1H, CHHN), 5.29 (m, 1H,
CHN), 5.35 (br. s, 1H, NH); 7.31-7.39 (m, 5H, Har). HPLC (Chiralpak AD-H,
hexano/isopropanol 95:5, 1mL/min, λ= 210 nm) tR = 27.9 min (mayor, S), 29.7 min
(minor, R). (er 93:7).
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tert-Butyl (S)-1-(4-Trifluoromethylphenyl)-2-nitroethyl carbamate (26ba).[33]
Obtained according to general procedure, using Boc-imine 24b (82 mg, 0.3 mmol),
nitromethane (0.1 mL, 1.8 mmol) and thiourea 23 (10 mg, 0.015 mmol). The crude
reaction mixture was purified by flash column chromatography (hexane/ethyl acetate:
1
8:1) to yield compound 26ba (72 mg, 0.22 mmol, 72%). Colorless solid. H-NMR
(500 MHz, CDCl3) δ 1.44 (s, 9H, CH3), 4.74 (d, J= 11.8Hz, 1H, CHHN), 4.86 (m, 1H,
CHHN), 5.43 (m, 1H, CHN), 5.43 (br s, 1H, NH), 7.46 (d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H, Har), 7.66
(d, J = 8.0 Hz, 2H, Har). HPLC (Chiralpak AD-H, hexane/iso-propanol = 90:10, 210
nm, 1.0 mL/min): tR =11.2 min (major, S), 17.2 min (minor, R) (er 94:6).
tert-Butyl (S)-1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-2-nitroethyl carbamate (26ca).[32] Obtained
according to general procedure, using Boc-imine 24c (72 mg, 0.3 mmol),
nitromethane (0.1 mL, 1.8 mmol) and thiourea 23 (10 mg, 0.015 mmol). The crude
reaction mixture was purified by flash column chromatography (hexane/ethyl acetate:
1
8:1) to yield compound 26ca (67 mg, 0.22 mmol, 74%). Colorless solid. H-NMR
(500 MHz, CDCl3) δ 1.44 (s, 9H, CH3), 4.66 (dd, J = 5.0Hz, 12.6 Hz, 1H, CHHN),
4.79 (m, 1H, CHHN), 5.30 (m, 1H, CHN), 5.38 (br s, 1H, NH), 7.25 (d, J= 8.5Hz, 2H,
Har), 7.36 (d, J= 8.5Hz, 2H, Har). HPLC (Chiralpak AD-H column, hexane/iso-
propanol = 95:5, 220nm, 1.0 mL/min): tR = 27.2 min (major, S), 35.7 min (minor, R).
(92:8).
tert-Butyl (S)-1-(4-Nitrophenyl)-2-nitroethyl carbamate (26da).[32] Obtained
according to general procedure, using Boc-imine 24d (75 mg, 0.3 mmol),
nitromethane (0.1 mL, 1.8 mmol) and thiourea 23 (10 mg, 0.015 mmol). The crude
reaction mixture was purified by flash column chromatography (hexane/ethyl acetate:
1
8:1) to yield compound 26da (64 mg, 0.20 mmol, 68%). Colorless solid. H-NMR
(500 MHz, CDCl3): δ 1.43 (s, 9H), 4.79 (m, 1H, CHHN), 4.89 (m, 1H, CHHN), 5.50
(m, 1H, CHN), 5.70 (br. s, 1H, NH), 7.53 (d, J = 8.7 Hz, 2H, Har), 8.22 (d, J = 8.7
Hz, 2H, Har). HPLC (Chiralpak AD-H, hexane/iso-propanol = 90:10, 254 nm, 1.0
mL/min): tR = 26.6 min (major, S), 55.4 min (minor, R). (er 87:13).
tert-Butyl (S)-1-(p-Tolyl)-2-nitroethyl carbamate (26ea).[34] Obtained according to
the general procedure, using Boc-imine 24e (62 mg, 0.3 mmol), nitromethane (0.1
mL, 1.8 mmol) and thiourea 23 (10 mg, 0.015 mmol). The crude reaction mixture was
purified by flash column chromatography (hexane/ethyl acetate: 8:1) to yield
compound 26ea (56 mg, 0.20 mmol, 66%). Colorless solid. 1H-NMR (500 MHz,
CDCl3): δ 1.45 (s, 9H, CH3), 2.35 (s, 3H, CH3), 4.70 (m, 1H, CHHN), 4.84 (m, 1H,
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CHHN), 5.23 (m, 1H, CHN), 5.34 (br s, 1H, NH), 7.19 (s, 4H, Har). HPLC (Chiralcel
OJ, hexane/iso-propanol = 90:10, 220 nm, 1.0 mL/min): tR = 21.3 min (major, S), 23.5
min (minor, R). (er 92:8).
tert-Butyl (S)-1-(4-Methoxyphenyl)-2-nitroethyl carbamate (26fa).[32] Obtained
according to the general procedure, using Boc-imine 24f (70 mg, 0.3 mmol),
nitromethane (0.1 mL, 1.8 mmol) and thiourea 23 (10 mg, 0.015 mmol). The crude
reaction mixture was purified by flash column chromatography (hexane/ethyl acetate:
8:1) to yield compound 26fa (68 mg, 0.23 mmol, 76%). Colorless solid. 1H-NMR
(500 MHz, CHCl3) δ 1.45 (s, 9H, CH3), 3.81 (s, 3H, CH3), 4.68 (dd, J = 12.5 Hz, 5.5
Hz, 1H, CHHN), 4.85 (m, 1H, CHHN), 5.19 (m, 1H, CHN), 5.32 (br s, 1H, NH), 6.90
(m, 2H, Har), 7.23 (m, 2H, Har). HPLC (Chiralcel AD-H, hexane/iso-propanol =
90:10, 220 nm, 1 mL/min): tR = 37.5 min (minor, R), 44.5 min (major, S). (er 81:19).
tert-Butyl [(1R, 2S)-2-Nitro-1-phenylpropyl] carbamate (26ab).[34] Obtained
according to general procedure, using Boc-imine 24a (62 mg, 0.3 mmol), nitroethane
(0.13 mL, 1.8 mmol) and thiourea 23 (10 mg, 0.015 mmol). The crude reaction
mixture was purified by flash column chromatography (hexane/ethyl acetate: 15:1) to
yield compound 26ab as a mixture 78:22 of anti/syn diastereomers (60 mg, 0.21
1
mmol, 71%). Colorless solid. H-NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3) δ 1.44 (s, 9H, CH3), 1.54
(d, J = 7.0 Hz, 3H, CH3), 4.92 (br s, 1H, NH), 5.11 (m, 0.2H, CHHN), 5.19 (t, J = 7.5
Hz, 0.8H, CHHN), 5.34 (br s, 0.8H, CHHN), 5.58 (m, 0.2H, CHHN), 7.22-7.27 (m,
2H, Har), 7.32-7.37 (m, 3H, Har). HPLC (Chiralpak AD-H, hexane/iso-propanol =
95:5, 220 nm, 0.8 mL/min): major (anti): tR (major) = 25.3 min, tR (minor) = 27.5
min, (er 89:11); tR minor (syn): tR (major) = 40.1 min, tr (minor) = 31.3 min. (er
78:22).
tert-Butyl [(1R, 2S)-2-Nitro-1-phenylbutyl] carbamate (26ac).[34] Obtained
according to general procedure, using Boc-imine 24a (62 mg, 0.3 mmol), 1-
nitropropane (0.16 mL, 1.8 mmol) and thiourea 23 (10 mg, 0.015 mmol). The crude
reaction mixture was purified by flash column chromatography (hexane/ethyl acetate:
15:1) to yield compound 26ac as a mixture 84:16 of anti/syn diastereomers (72 mg,
0.25 mmol, 82%). Colorless solid. 1H-NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3) δ 0.98 (t, J = 7.0 Hz,
3H, CH3), 1.42 (s, 9H, CH3), 1.85-1.90 (m, 1H, CHH), 2.04 (m, 1H, CHH), 4.73 (br s,
1H, NH), 5.13 (m, 2H, CHHN), 7.22 (m, 2H, HAr), 7.34 (m, 3H, HAr). HPLC
(Chiralpak AD-H, hexane/iso-propanol = 95:5, 220 nm, 0.5 mL/min): major (anti): tR
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10.1002/ejoc.201700582
European Journal of Organic Chemistry
(major) = 17.2 min, tR (minor), 19.0 min. (er 95:5); minor (syn): tR (major) = 14.8
min, tR (minor) = 21.8 min (er 79:21).
Acknowledgements. Authors thank the Spanish MINECO (Project CTQ 2014-
59870-P) for the financial support.
1
Electronic Supporting Information available: Copies of H-NMR, and 13CNMR
spectra for all new compounds, IR traces for novel chitosan supported derivatives,
and HPLC chromatograms for the reaction mixtures.
Notes and references
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Table of Contents
Key Topic: Chitosan-supported thioureas
NHBoc
NO2
RCH2NO2
catalyst (5 mol%)
neat, r.t.
OH
O
CF3
NBoc
O
R
S
O
R
X
HO
X
N
5
HN
N
N
CF3
dr up to 84:16
er up to 95:5
H
H
yield: 66 to 82%
Renewable biopolymer chitosan has been used as support for bifunctional chiral thioureas and used as
recoverable organocatalysts for stereoselective aza-Henry reaction under solvent-free conditions. Both the
yields and stereoselection are comparable to those previously obtained with thioureas supported on
petrochemical-derived resins.
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