SN2' alkylation of chiral allylic cyanohydrin o-phosphates with organocuprates

Abstract

Enantiomerically enriched cyanohydrin O-phosphates, prepared by enantioselective cyanophosphorylation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes, react regioselectively at the γ-position with organocuprates derived from alkyl Grignard reagents and CuCN to afford chiral γ-alkyl-substituted α,β-unsaturated nitriles. The configuration of the new C–C double bond is mainly (E) when the reaction is performed at –78 °C and (Z) when it is carried out at higher temperatures (0 °C). A high level of transfer of the chirality in the new stereocentre, corresponding to a stereospecific anti attack onto the cyanophosphate, is observed. Enantiomerically enriched (E)-γ-alkylated α,β-unsaturated esters are prepared after subsequent methanolysis in a three-step sequence from the corresponding α,β-unsaturated aldehydes. In addition, the synthesis of (R)-4-methylnonan-1-ol, also known as the sex pheromone of the yellow mealworm Tenebrio molitor L, and its (S) enantiomer have been carried out in a four-step route from (E)-oct-2-enal.