Stereodivergent asymmetric hydrogenation of quinoxalines

Summary

Stereodivergent asymmetric synthesis of all the stereoisomers of enantioenriched products, preferably using a catalytic method, is of great interest and importance in both organic synthesis and drug discovery. Herein, we report an unprecedented stereodivergent AH of di-substituted quinoxalines via Mn catalysis, furnishing cis- and rarely accessed trans-chiral tetrahydroquinoxalines (THQs) with high levels of diastereo- and enantioselectivity. This transformation features excellent functional group compatibility and broad applicability. The synthetic utility of this methodology is further highlighted by a concise and stereoselective synthesis of methylated variants of valuable bioactive molecules containing chiral THQ scaffolds.