Synthesis of Highly Enantioenriched 3,4-Dihydroquinolin-2-ones by 6-<i>Exo-trig</i> Radical Cyclizations of Axially Chiral α-Halo-<i>ortho</i>-alkenyl Anilides

Radical cyclizations (Bu3SnH, Et3B/air, rt) of racemic α-halo-ortho-alkenyl anilides provide 3,4-dihydroquinolin-2-ones in high yield. Cyclizations of enantioenriched precursors occur in similarly high yields and with transfer of axial chirality to the new stereocenter of the products with exceptionally high fidelity (often >95%). Single and tandem cyclizations of α-halo-ortho-alkenyl anilides bearing an additional substituent on the α-carbon occur with high chirality transfer and high diastereoselectivity. Straightforward models are proposed to interpret both the chirality transfer and diastereoselectivity aspects. These first examples of an approach for axial chiral transfer from a reactive species in the amide to an acceptor suggest broad potential for extension both within and beyond radical reactions.