title: An enantioselective synthesis of 2-aryl cycloalkanones by Sc-catalyzed carbon insertion.
abstract: Current methods for asymmetric α-arylation require blocking groups to prevent reaction at the α'-carbon, basic conditions that promote racemization, or multistep synthesis. This work records the first catalytic enantioselective examples of the diazoalkane-carbonyl homologation reaction. Medium ring 2-aryl ketones are prepared in one step in up to 98:2 er and 99% yield from the unsubstituted lower homologue by Sc-catalyzed aryldiazomethyl insertion with simple bis- and tris(oxazoline) ligands.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Eugene F. Merkert Chemistry Center, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts 02467, USA.
authors.forename: Victor L
authors.initials: VL
authors.lastname: Rendina
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Moebius
authors.forename: Jason S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Kingsbury