A Pd-catalyzed enantioselective C–H carbonylation by desymmetrization was developed with commercially available L-pyroglutamic acid as chiral ligand. Isoquinolinones were successfully obtained with good yields and high enantioselectivities. Mechanistic studies and DFT calculations provided a reasonable reaction pathway.
A highly efficient, three-component one-pot benzylation and allylation of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes and amines affords the corresponding homobenzylamines and homoallylamines in good to excellent yield. The procedure is lauded by its simplicity and manipulability.