title: Catalytic enantioselective alkylation of sulfenate anions to chiral heterocyclic sulfoxides using halogenated pentanidium salts.
abstract: We report halogenated pentanidiums as phase-transfer catalysts for the asymmetric alkylation of sulfenate anions to various sulfoxides with high enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee) and yields (up to 99%). This approach gives access to enantioenriched heterocyclic sulfoxides that might not be compatible with strong oxidants or organometallic reagents. Computational studies have revealed that the multiple noncovalent interactions such as halogen bonds and nonclassical hydrogen bonds are involved.
authors.affiliation: Division of Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 21 Nanyang Link, Singapore 637371 (Singapore).
authors.forename: Lili
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zong
authors.forename: Xu
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Ban
authors.forename: Choon Wee
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Kee
authors.forename: Choon-Hong
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Tan
keywords: Brønsted bases; density functional calculations; guanidinium; organocatalysis; pentanidium