Efficient Synthesis of Optically Active Atropisomeric Anilides through Catalytic Asymmetric N-Arylation Reaction

In the presence of (R)-DTBM-SEGPHOS-Pd(OAc)2 catalyst, N-arylation of ortho-tert-butyl-NH-anilides with 4-nitroiodobenzene proceeds with high enantioselectivity (89−95% ee) to give optically active atropisomeric anilides possessing N−C chiral axis. Furthermore, the intramolecular version of the present catalytic asymmetric N-arylation gave atropisomeric lactams with high optical purity (94−96% ee).