10.1021/jo801665k
The research focuses on the π-facial stereoselective alkylation of chiral bicyclic lactams, specifically examining the reversal of diastereoselectivity in the benzyl bromide alkylation of phenylglycinol-derived oxazolopiperidone enolates. The study employs a combination of theoretical calculations and experimental assays to explore this reversal, attributing it to the formation of a C-H···π hydrogen bond between the C-H unit of the C8a angular position and the benzene ring of the alkylating reagent. The experiments involve the generation of enolates from chiral bicyclic lactams using lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide as the base, followed by the addition of alkylating reagents such as benzyl bromide. The reaction products are analyzed using techniques like gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) to determine the diastereoisomeric ratios and confirm the structures of the products. The research provides valuable insights into the factors influencing diastereoselectivity in alkylation reactions, which is crucial for the selective preparation of enantiopure bioorganic and pharmaceutical compounds.