Enantioselective Preparation of 3-Substituted-4-pentenoic Acids via the Claisen Rearrangement

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo00350a067

Asymmetric C-C bond formation via the diastereoselective aza-Claisen rearrangement of N-allylketene N,O-acetal 4 is described.The starting materials, allylic alkylating agant 1 and optically pure oxazoline 2, are easily prepared and, in a one-pot procedure, generate rearranged oxazolines 5 in 52-94percent diastereomeric excess.The overall chemical yields for 2 -> 5 range from 51 to 78percent.The aza-Claisen rearrangement (4 -> 5) proceeds with excellent N,O-acetal face selectivity and with good to excellent chair selectivity.Hydrolysis of rearranged oxazoline 5 completes an enantioselective synthesis of 3-substituted pent-4-enoic acids.