Cross-conjugated Trienamine Catalysis with α'-Alkylidene 2-Cyclohexenones: Application in β,γ-Regioselective Aza-Diels-Alder Reaction.

Endo-type cross-conjugated trienamines between highly congested α'-alkylidene 2-cyclohexenones and a chiral primary amine catalyst serve as HOMO-raised dienophiles in inverse-electron-demand aza-Diels-Alder cycloadditions with a number of 1-azadiene substrates. The reactions exhibit exclusive β,γ-regioselectivity, and multifunctional products with high molecular complexity are efficiently constructed in excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivity (>19:1 d.r., up to 99 % ee).