Inspired by the efficiency of enzymatic systems that occur in nature, the field of multicatalysis has emerged as a powerful synthetic strategy that enables access to unprecedented transformations. Multicatalytic processes combine numerous catalytic reactions in a “one-pot” fashion, which reduces reaction time, chemical waste, and cost. Herein, we present our recent developments in the Kim Group, where we developed a novel multicatalytic system that combines simple amine and carboxylic acid building blocks to furnish enantio-enriched chiral amines. Our multicatalytic system employs a single, readily available titanium catalyst that can facilitate three distinct catalytic transformations under a mild condition: 1) direct coupling between a carboxylic acid and a primary amine to generate an amide intermediate, 2) selective partial reduction of the amides to imines, and 3) enantioselective cyanation of imines to generate chiral amine products up to 90% ee. Currently, we are focusing on the evaluating this methodology to establish functional group tolerance and expanding the scope of multicatalysis. This strategy holds potential in streamlining the synthesis of pharmaceutical based chiral amine compounds and their derivatives.

Titanium-based multicatalysis: Accelerated enantioselective synthesis of chiral amines

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