Asymmetric Organocatalytic Benzylation of Morita−Baylis−Hillman Carbonates with 2,4-Dinitrotoluene Derivatives

Abstract

We here described the organocatalytic asymmetric benzylation of Morita−Baylis−Hillman (MBH) carbonates with 2,4-dinitrotoluene derivatives as nucleophiles. The developed reaction provides a straightforward access to functionalized 2,4-dinitrotoluene derivatives of biological and synthetic relevance. Highly functionalized products have been chemoselectively and efficiently obtained in good to high yield (up to 84%) and with excellent stereoselectivity (up to >20:1 dr, >99 ee).