Pd-catalyzed asymmetric aza-Wacker-type cyclization reaction of olefinic tosylamides

The Pd-catalyzed asymmetric aza-Wacker-type cyclization reaction of the olefinic tosylamides with molecular oxygen as the green oxidant was developed. Under the optimized conditions, excellent catalytic activity and good enantioselectivity with up to 74% ee were obtained with quinolineoxazoline ligands. This reaction provides direct and easy access to chiral nitrogen-containing heterocycles which retain the olefin functionality.