Asymmetric construction of chiral C–N axes through rhodium-catalyzed 1,4-addition

Catalytic asymmetric construction of chiral C–N axes has been developed through a rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-addition reaction. Both central chirality and axial chirality have been controlled at the same time using Rh/(R,R)-Ph-bod∗ catalyst with high enantio- and diastereoselectivity. This method has also been applied to the preparation of a planar-chiral ferrocene derivative. The resulting chiral C–N axis can be used as a good template to control the stereochemistry in the subsequent transformations such as alkylation and Diels–Alder reactions.