Oxyoxazolidinone as an auxiliary for heterocyclic synthesis. Enantioselective formation of N-unprotected 2-pyrrolidones from selenocarboxylate and allylamines via radical cyclization

Optically active N-unprotected 2-pyrrolidones were prepared in a highly stereoselective manner through radical cyclization reaction of oxyoxazolidinone. Asymmetric induction from the oxyoxazolidinone ring system was generally high and oxazabicyclo[3.3.0]octanones were obtained in good yields. Treatment of the bicyclic compounds with TBAF resulted in the one-step cleavage of C–O and C–N bond, directly giving secondary 2-pyrrolidones in good yields along with recovery of chiral mandelic acid without loss of optical purity. The use of the present procedure gave optically active 4,5-disubstituted N-unprotected 2-pyrrolidone derivatives trans selectively.