Copper-Catalyzed Diastereo-, Enantio-, and ( Z )-Selective Aminoallylation of Ketones through Reductive Couplings of Azatrienes for the Synthesis of Allylic 1,2-Amino Tertiary Alcohols.

We introduce a method for the ( Z )-selective aminoallylation of a range of ketones to prepare allylic 1,2-amino tertiary alcohols with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivity. Copper-catalyzed reductive couplings of 2-azatrienes with aryl/alkyl and dialkyl ketones proceed with Ph-BPE as the supporting ligand, generating anti -amino alcohols with >98% ( Z )-selectivity under mild conditions. The utility of the products is highlighted through several transformations, including those that leverage the ( Z )-allylic amine moiety for diastereoselective reactions of the alkene. Calculations illustrate Curtin-Hammett control in the product formation over other possible isomers and the origin of ( Z )-selectivity.