The [5,5]-sigmatropic rearrangement is a less-studied reaction and may be strategically utilized to devise unique synthetic processes. Herein, we document a diboron-enabled [5,5]-sigmatropic rearrangement for practical synthesis of BINAM derivatives. Mechanistically, a concerted activation of azonaphthalenes by diboron creates a unique ten-membered transition state, which subsequently triggers a [5,5]-sigmatropic rearrangement. The reaction occurs under mild conditions, and offers operational simplicity, remarkable chemo- and regioselectivities, as well as good scalability (>10 grams).

This article is Open Access

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