Regio- and stereoselective syntheses of chiral α-quaternary ( Z )-trisubstituted allylic amino acids via synergistic Pd/Cu catalysis.

Synergistic palladium/copper catalysis for asymmetric allylic alkylation of vinylethylene carbonates with aldimine esters has been developed for the synthesis of α-quaternary ( Z )-trisubstituted allylic amino acids under mild conditions. This methodology features broad substrate compatibilities in yields of up to 87% and up to 94% ee . A facile scale-up and straightforward conversion to 1,2,3,5-tetrasubstituted pyrrole and 1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine bearing chiral quaternary carbon centers verifies the synthetic utility of this method.