Synthesis of 4-Azaindolines Using Phase-Transfer Catalysis via an Intramolecular Mannich Reaction.

A series of bifunctional asymmetric phase-transfer catalysts containing novel fluorine-containing urea groups derived from cinchona alkaloids have been synthesized and successfully applied in the asymmetric intramolecular Mannich reaction. The 4-azaindoline products bearing multiple substrates were obtained in excellent yield (90-99%), with high enantioselectivity (up to 95%) and diastereoselectivity (up to >99:1).