Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Kinetic resolution has been a cornerstone for accessing enantioenriched molecules, but its application in radical chemistry has remained elusive due to the high reactivity of radical intermediates. Here, we present a new approach enabling precise Kinetic resolution in radical addition processes, yielding enantioenriched products and recovered starting materials with high efficiency. Two examples are provided: the Kinetic resolution of Minisci reactions between N-heterobiaryls or biaryls and glycine-derived redox-active esters under visible light irradiation with a chiral Brønsted acid catalyst, achieving high yields and enantioselectivities. The second example involves the reductive coupling of aldehydes with N-heterobiaryl-based olefins, enabling efficient synthesis of axially chiral heterobiaryls featuring both axial and remote central chirality. This work represents a conceptual breakthrough in asymmetric radical reactions, inspiring future developments in radical transformations using accessible racemic feedstocks. Kinetic resolution is a privileged strategy in enantioselective synthesis, yet its extension to radical chemistry has remained challenging. Here, the authors report the kinetic resolution in Minisci radical additions, affording enantioenriched products and recovered starting materials under chiral Brønsted acid catalysis.
Source: Nature Communications
Institutions: Henan University, Henan Normal University, Nanjing University
Language: English
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $6,990
OpenAlex ID: W7159979981
FWCI:
Cites:
Cited by:
Related to: