Nickel‐Catalyzed Kinetic Resolution of Racemic Unactivated Alkenes via Enantio‐, Diastereo‐, and Regioselective Hydroamination

Abstract

AbstractKinetic resolution is a powerful strategy for the isolation of enantioenriched compounds from racemic mixtures, and the development of selective catalytic processes is an active area of research. Here, we present a nickel‐catalyzed kinetic resolution of racemic α‐substituted unconjugated carbonyl alkenes via the enantio‐, diastereo‐, and regioselective hydroamination. This protocol affords both chiral α‐substituted butenamides and syn‐β2,3‐amino acid derivatives with high enantiomeric purity (up to 99 % ee) and selectivity factor up to >684. The key to the excellent kinetic resolution efficiency is the distinctive architecture of the chiral nickel complex, which enables successful resolution and enantioselective C−N bond construction. Mechanistic investigations reveal that the unique structure of the chiral ligand facilitates a rapid migratory insertion step with one enantiomer. This strategy provides a practical and versatile approach to prepare a wide range of chiral compounds.