Enantioselective Formation of Cyano-Bearing All-Carbon Quaternary Stereocenters: Copper-Catalyzed N-Arylation via Kinetic Resolution

A copper-catalyzed enantioselective N-arylation for the formation of cyano-bearing all-carbon quaternary stereocenters was developed via kinetic resolution of racemic 3-amino-2-(2-iodobenzyl)propanenitriles. The reaction afforded the desired coupling products in moderate enantioselectivity under catalysis by CuI and a BINOL-derived ligand.