Desymmetrization of malonamides via an enantioselective intramolecular Buchwald–Hartwig reaction

A new form of enantioselective nitrogen arylation reaction is described. Beginning with symmetrical α-(2-bromobenzyl)malonamides, intramolecular palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling using a catalyst system including 3.3 mol % Pd(OAc)2 and 6.6 mol % of the chiral biaryl monophosphine (R)-MOP, desymmetrized quinolinone products are obtained in nearly quantitative yields in enantiomeric ratios up to 88:12. This Letter represents a rare example of enantioselective Buchwald–Hartwig reaction.