Palladium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Reactions: Mechanisms and Applications

This lecture discusses the palladium-catalyzed asymmetric decarboxylative addition of beta-keto acids to heteroatom-substituted allenes. It begins with an introduction to the reaction mechanism, highlighting the role of palladium and the ligand system in achieving high enantioselectivity. The instructor presents the first asymmetric branch-selective hydrofunctionalization of amidoallenes, detailing the nucleophile and electrophile involved in the reaction. The lecture emphasizes the significance of the reaction conditions, including temperature and time, in optimizing yields and selectivity. Critical analyses of the novelty, practicality, and sustainability of the reaction are provided, noting the mild conditions and the generation of carbon dioxide as a byproduct. The discussion also covers the potential for post-functionalization of alkoxyallenes and the implications for total synthesis. The lecture concludes with a Q&A session, encouraging students to engage with the material and explore the intricacies of the reaction mechanisms presented.