Organocatalytic enantioselective decarboxylative protonation of α-alkyl-α-aryl malonate monoesters.

In contrast to the well-established enzymatic enantioselective decarboxylative protonation (EDP), the corresponding chemocatalytic reactions of acyclic malonic acid derivatives remain challenging. Herein, we developed a biomimetic EDP of α-alkyl-α-aryl malonate monoesters using a chiral 1,2- trans -diaminocyclohexane-based N -sulfonamide as an organocatalyst. The method demonstrates excellent chemical yields, good enantioselectivity, mild reaction conditions, and the generation of only CO 2 as waste.