Synthesis of Enantiopure Piperazines via Asymmetric Lithiation-Trapping of N-Boc Piperazines: Unexpected Role of the Electrophile and Distal N-Substituent

James D. Firth, Peter O'Brien*, Leigh Ferris

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

A new method for the synthesis of enantiopure α-substituted piperazines via direct functionalization of the intact piperazine ring is described. The approach utilizes the asymmetric lithiation-substitution of an α-methylbenzyl-functionalized N-Boc piperazine using s-BuLi/(-)-sparteine or (+)-sparteine surrogate and provides access to a range of piperazines (as single stereoisomers). Optimization of the new methodology required a detailed mechanistic study. Surprisingly, it was found that the main culprits affecting the yield and enantioselectivity were the electrophile (the last reagent to be added to the reaction flask) and the distal N-substituent. The mechanistic studies included optimization of lithiation times using in situ IR spectroscopy, identification of a ring-fragmentation of the lithiated piperazines (that could be minimized with sterically hindered N-alkyl groups), and use of a novel "diamine switch" strategy to improve enantioselectivity with certain electrophiles. The methodology was showcased with the preparation of an intermediate for Indinavir synthesis and the stereoselective synthesis of 2,5-trans- and 2,6-trans-piperazines.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)651-659
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
Volume138
Issue number2
Early online date18 Dec 2015
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Jan 2016

Keywords

  • Lithium/chemistry
  • Piperazines/chemistry
  • Spectrophotometry, Infrared
  • Stereoisomerism

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