Enantioselective Organocatalytic Alkylation of Aldehydes and Enals Driven by the Direct Photoexcitation of Enamines

Disclosed herein is a photo-organocatalytic enantioselective α- and γ-alkylation of aldehydes and enals, respectively, with bromomalonates. The chemistry uses a commercially available aminocatalyst and occurs under illumination by a fluorescent light bulb in the absence of any external photoredox catalyst. Mechanistic investigations reveal the previously hidden ability of transiently generated enamines to directly reach an electronically excited state upon light absorption while successively triggering the formation of reactive radical species from the organic halides. At the same time, the ground state chiral enamines provide effective stereochemical induction for the enantioselective alkylation process.

M. Silvi, E. Arceo, I. D. Jurberg, C. Cassani, P. Melchiorre

J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015, 137, 6120-6123
DOI: Go to the journal

Associated ICIQ research group/s:

  • RESEARCH GROUP/S
    The Melchiorre’s Group
Go to the journal
  • SHARE

Let's create a brighter future

Join our team to work with renowned researchers, tackle groundbreaking
projects and contribute to meaningful scientific advancements

Join us!
Board of Trustees:
Member of:
Accredited with:
With the support of: