To access the key Ile-Hpa pseudodipeptide motif in hibispeptins, a series of bidentate carboxamide-based auxiliary groups have been explored to facilitate the palladium-catalyzed arylation of unactivated γ-C(sp(3))-H bonds of Ile precursor with aryl iodides. A new pyridylmethylamine-based auxiliary group PR is introduced, which permits the use of more sterically hindered ortho-substituted aryl iodide substrates and can be removed under mild conditions. Pd-catalyzed PR-directed γ-C(sp(3))-H arylation enabled the first total synthesis of hibispeptin A.

Recognizing the importance of all-carbon, quaternary stereocenters in complex molecule synthesis, a stereospecific, nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling of allylic pivalates with arylboroxines to deliver products equipped with quaternary stereocenters and internal alkenes was developed. The enantioenriched allylic pivalate starting materials are readily prepared, and a variety of functional groups can be incorporated on both the allylic pivalate and the arylboroxine. Additional advantages include the use of a commercially available and air-stable Ni(II) salt and BISBI ligand, mild reaction conditions, and high yields and ee’s. The observed stereoinversion of this reaction is consistent with an open transition state in the oxidative addition step.