Efficient Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Unsaturated Amines: Preparation of Small- and Medium-Ring Cyclic Amines through Mo-Catalyzed Asymmetric Ring-Closing Metathesis in the Absence of Solvent

The first catalytic asymmetric ring-closing metathesis method for the synthesis of N-containing heterocycles is reported; this is accomplished through Mo-catalyzed kinetic resolution or desymmetrization of unsaturated amines. Importantly, this catalytic asymmetric method delivers medium-ring unsaturated amines (including eight-membered rings) in high yield, with exceptional enantioselectivity and without the need for solvents. These enantioselective reactions can be effected by catalysts prepared in situ from commercially available reagents.