Asymmetric Diels–Alder reactions of N-allenoyloxazolidinones catalyzed by Cu(II)–bis(oxazoline) complexes

Catalytic asymmetric Diels–Alder reactions of N-allenoyloxazolidinones were investigated. Various chiral metal–bis(oxazoline) and metal–pyridinebis(oxazoline) complexes were screened. Cu(SbF6)2(H2O)2(t-BuBox) was found to be the most effective catalyst, giving the product in high yield, enantioselectivity, and endo:exo selectivity. The relative reactivity between N-allenoyloxazolidinones and N-alkenoyloxazolidinones was also investigated. A model for stereoinduction was proposed to account for the enantioselectivity and endo:exo selectivity.