The asymmetric α-chlorination of activated aryl acetic acid esters can be carried out with high levels of enantioselectivities utilizing commercially available isothiourea catalysts under base-free conditions. The reaction, which proceeds… Click to show full abstract
The asymmetric α-chlorination of activated aryl acetic acid esters can be carried out with high levels of enantioselectivities utilizing commercially available isothiourea catalysts under base-free conditions. The reaction, which proceeds via the in situ formation of chiral C1 ammonium enolates, is best carried out under cryogenic conditions combined with a direct trapping of the activated α-chlorinated ester derivative to prevent epimerization, thus allowing for enantioselectivities of up to e.r. 99:1.
               
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