The development of catalytic asymmetric direct-type reactions of less acidic carbonyl compounds such as amides and esters has been a challenging theme in organic chemistry for decades. Here we describe the asymmetric direct 1,4-addition reactions of simple amides with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds using a catalytic amount of a novel chiral catalyst consisting of a potassium base and a macrocyclic chiral crown ether. The desired 1,5-dicarbonyl compounds were obtained in high yields with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities. This is the first example of a highly enantioselective catalytic direct-type reaction of simple amides. In addition, the structure of the chiral potassium catalyst has been investigated by X-ray crystallographic, dynamic (1)H NMR, and MALDI-TOF MS analyses.

Catalytic addition reactions of very weakly acidic nonactivated alkylarenes such as toluene and its derivatives were developed by using a strongly basic mixed catalyst system under mild reaction conditions. The addition reactions with imines and alkenes proceeded smoothly under proton-transfer conditions to afford the desired products in good to high yields, and high levels of regio- and stereoselectivity were achieved. It was also revealed that the asymmetric addition reaction of an alkylarene was possible.

The development of catalytic asymmetric carbon-carbon bond-forming reactions of alkylnitriles that do not have an activating group at the α-position, under proton-transfer conditions, is a challenging research topic. Here, we report catalytic asymmetric direct-type 1,4-addition reactions of alkylnitriles with α,β-unsaturated amides by using a catalytic amount of potassium hexamethyldisilazide (KHMDS) with a chiral macro crown ether. The desired reactions proceeded in high yields with good diastereo- and enantioselectivities. To our knowledge, this is the first example of catalytic asymmetric direct-type 1,4-addition reaction of alkylnitriles without any activating group at the α-position.

Catalytic asymmetric 1,4-addition reactions of simple esters have been developed. The desired reactions proceeded smoothly with high enantioselectivities.

Catalytic benzylic C–H alkylation reactions of alkylarenes with alkenes such as β-substituted styrenes and vinylsilanes have been achieved by utilizing alkylpotassium as a catalyst. Various substituted toluene derivatives can be alkylated under mild reaction conditions to afford the desired functionalized hydrocarbons in moderate to high yields.