Asymmetric Desymmetrization of Substituted Cyclohexadienones by Rhodium-Catalyzed Conjugate Hydrosilylation and Theoretical Calculations of Its Mechanistic Aspects

Asymmetric desymmetrization was demonstrated by means of transition-metal-catalyzed conjugate reduction with hydrosilanes as reductants. Chiral rhodium-bis(oxazolinyl)phenyl complexes [Rh(Phebox-R)] were found to be effective catalysts for conjugate hydrosilylation of differently γ,γ-disubstituted cyclohexadienones to provide the corresponding product with chiral quaternary centers. The mechanistic consideration was also performed by theoretical calculation. These attempts provided information about i) the initial activation of Rh(III) complex into Rh(I) species assisted by hydrosilanes, ii) the complete catalytic cycle, and iii) an explanation of the asymmetric induction and the difference of the structure of cyclohexadienones in enantioselectivity.