Catalytic enantioselective [2,3]-rearrangements of allylic ammonium ylides : a mechanistic and computational study

Abstract

A mechanistic study of the isothiourea-catalysed enantioselective [2,3]-rearrangement of allylic ammonium ylides is described. Reaction kinetic analyses using 19F NMR and density functional theory computations have elucidated a reaction profile and allowed identification of the catalyst resting state and turnover-rate limiting step. A catalytically-rele- vant catalyst-substrate adduct has been observed, and its constitution elucidated unambiguously by 13C and 15N isotopic labelling. Isotopic entrainment has shown the observed catalyst-substrate adduct to be a genuine intermediate on the pro- ductive cycle towards catalysis. The influence of HOBt as an additive upon the reaction, catalyst resting state and turnover- rate limiting step has been examined. Crossover experiments have probed the reversibility of each of the proposed steps of the catalytic cycle. Computations were also used to elucidate the origins of stereocontrol, with a 1,5-S•••O interaction and the catalyst stereodirecting group providing transition structure rigidification and enantioselectivity, while preference for cation-π interactions over C-H•••π is responsible for diastereoselectivity.