The framework of 2-pyridones is prevalent in biologically and medicinally important molecules. Here we report that chiral N-substituted 2-pyridones were prepared by enantioselective, organocatalytic aza-Michael additions of halogenated 2-hydroxypyridines (pyridin-2(1H)-ones) to α,β-unsaturated-1,4-dketones or 1,4-ketoesters. The reactions were optimized by the choice of solvents and systematic screening of Cinchona alkaloid-based bifunctional catalysts to achieve excellent yields and enantioselectivities (up to 98% yield and > 99% ee). Density functional theory calculations provided rationales for the observed enantioselectivity. Formal synthesis of a human rhinovirus protease inhibitor was achieved using the chiral Michael adduct generated by this method.

A one-pot synthesis of thioesters directly from carboxylic acids, N,N'-diphenylthiourea, triethylamine, and primary alkyl halides is described. Microwave-assisted heating and a catalytic amount of 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP) further improved the yields. Both aromatic and aliphatic carboxylic acids were converted to the corresponding thioesters, and many functional groups were compatible with this reaction. Several possible reaction intermediates were investigated, and the quaternary ammonium salts, derived from alkyl halides and tertiary amines, were the intermediates to yield thioesters. A new reaction mechanism for this thioesterification is proposed.