Enantioselective Synthesis of 1-Aminoindanes via [3 + 2] Annulation of Aldimines with Alkenes by Scandium-Catalyzed C–H Activation

Multisubstituted chiral 1-aminoindanes are important components in many pharmaceuticals and bioactive molecules. Therefore, the development of efficient and selective methods for the synthesis of chiral 1-aminoindanes is of great interest and importance. In principle, the asymmetric [3 + 2] annulation of aldimines with alkenes through C–H activation is the most atom-efficient and straightforward route for the construction of chiral 1-aminoindanes, but such a transformation has remained undeveloped to date probably due to the lack of suitable catalysts. Herein, we report for the first time the enantioselective [3 + 2] annulation of a wide range of aromatic aldimines and alkenes via ortho-C(sp2)–H activation by chiral half-sandwich scandium catalysts, which provides a straightforward route for the synthesis of multisubstituted chiral 1-aminoindanes. This protocol features 100% atom-efficiency, broad functional group compatibility, and high regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselectivity (up to >19:1 dr and 99:1 er). Remarkably, by fine-tuning the sterics of the chiral ligand around the catalyst metal center, the diastereodivergent asymmetric [3 + 2] annulation of aldimines and styrenes has been achieved with a high level of diastereo- and enantioselectivity, offering an efficient method for the synthesis of both the trans and cis diastereomers of a novel class of chiral 1-aminoindane derivatives containing two contiguous stereocenters from the same set of starting materials. Moreover, the asymmetric [3 + 2] annulation of aldimines with aliphatic α-olefins, norbornene, and 1,3-dienes has also been achieved.