NHCs-catalyzed enantioselective synthesis of biaryl axially chiral imides

The synthesis of biaryl axially chiral amides and their derivatives, which have demonstrated potential as additives or catalysts in asymmetric catalysis, currently relies on the utilization of transition metal catalysts. Herein, we report a NHC-catalyzed atropoenantioselective amidation reaction between axially prochiral biaryl dialdehydes and amides, enabling the efficient synthesis of axially chiral imides. This protocol features metal free and mild conditions, good functional group tolerance, broad substrate scope, and excellent enantioselectivities. Additionally, an extensive range of axial chiral imides, amides and derivatives can be synthesized through enantioretentive transformations, thereby providing an attractive alternative for their construction.