Asymmetric Synthesis of Tetrahydroquinolines via Saegusa-Type Oxidative Enamine Catalysis/1,5-Hydride Transfer/Cyclization Sequences.

Enantioselective organocatalytic synthesis of tetrahydroquinolines has been achieved via Saegusa-type oxidative enamine catalysis/1,5-hydride transfer/cyclization sequences. The feature of this research is a one-pot transformation of 3-aryl aldehydes into tetrahydroquinolines by using environmentally benign catalytic Saegusa oxidation and highly efficient internal redox reactions. The synthetically useful ring-fused tetrahydroquinoline derivatives were obtained in moderate yields and high levels of enantioselectivity.