Enantioselective [3+2] cycloaddition of azomethine ylides and aldehydes via Ni/bis(oxazoline)-catalyzed ring opening of N-tosylaziridines through a chirality transfer approach

A diastereo- and enantioselective formal [3+2] cycloaddition of N-tosylaziridines and aldehydes catalyzed by a Ni(II)-bisoxazoline complex has been accomplished. The 1,3-oxazolidine products are obtained with high diastereoselectivity, good yields (up to 99%) and high ee values (up to 96% ee). The challenging long distant stereocenter control is achieved by a chirality transfer approach.