No abstract

By using Rh–H catalysis, we couple α‐nitroesters and alkynes to prepare α‐amino‐acid precursors. This atom‐economical strategy generates two contiguous stereocenters, with high enantio‐ and diastereocontrol. In this transformation, the alkyne undergoes isomerization to generate a RhIII–π‐allyl electrophile, which is trapped by an α‐nitroester nucleophile. A subsequent reduction with In powder transforms the allylic α‐nitroesters to the corresponding α,α‐disubstituted α‐amino esters.

No abstract

Tandem catalysis enables the rapid construction of complex architectures from simple building blocks. This Perspective shares our interest in combining stereo­selective hydrogenation with transformations such as isomerization, oxidation, and epimerization to solve diverse challenges. We highlight the use of tandem hydrogenation for preparing complex natural products from simple prochiral building blocks and present tandem catalysis involving transfer hydrogenation and dynamic kinetic resolution. Finally, we underline recent breakthroughs and opportunities for asymmetric hydrogenation.

By using Rh–H catalysis, we couple α‐nitroesters and alkynes to prepare α‐amino‐acid precursors. This atom‐economical strategy generates two contiguous stereocenters, with high enantio‐ and diastereocontrol. In this transformation, the alkyne undergoes isomerization to generate a RhIII–π‐allyl electrophile, which is trapped by an α‐nitroester nucleophile. A subsequent reduction with In powder transforms the allylic α‐nitroesters to the corresponding α,α‐disubstituted α‐amino esters.