Background of the Invention ,a-Disubstituted amino acids are of great interest for a variety of reasons. They have been shown to be effective inhibitors of enzymes which normally metabolise the corresponding proteinogenic amino acids (Almond et al, Biochem., 1, 243 (1962); Pankaskie metal, J. Med. Chem., 23, 121(1980)). The additional substituent of such amino acids can have a marked effect on the conformation of peptide structure; thus, they can be utilized to modify physiologically important peptides to stabilize preferred conformations (Burgess, Proc. Natl. Acad Sci. USA, 91, 2649 (1994)). They also occur as constituent parts of interesting natural products (Koert, Nachr. Chem. Tech. Lab., 43, 347 (1995)).

Effective preparation ofqa-disubstituted amino acids, in an enantiocontrolled fashion, is therefore highly desirable.

5(4H)-Oxazolones may be prepared by the direct dehydration of N-acylated Q- amino acids. These 5(4H)-oxazolones are readily substituted in the 4-position.

Subsequent hydrolysis of 4,4-disubstituted-5(4H)-oxazolone ring results in Q,Q- disubstituted amino acids.

Chiral phosphine ligands are known. See, for example, WO-A-9609306.

Summarv of the Invention In one aspect ofthe present invention, precursors (1) of enantiomerically enriched α,α-disubstituted amino acids are prepared. Briefly, an allylic electrophile of the formula R3-L is alkylated with an oxazolone (2) in the presence of a base and catalytic quantities of a transition metal complex incorporating a chiral (preferably phosphine) ligand. In addition to a surprising degree of enantioselectivity, a high degree of diastereoselectivity may also be achieved with the appropriate choice of substrate, base and solvent.

This reaction results in enantiomerically enriched 4,4-disubstituted-5(411)- oxazolones (1) which may be subsequently transformed to yield enantiomerically enriched o,a-disubstituted amino acids.

For these oxazolones, R' and R3 are each independently hydrogen or an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group, e.g. alkyl, aryl or heteroaryl, of up to 20 C atoms, and R2 is an optionally substituted amino acid side-chain or an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group as defined above. Most preferably, Rl is phenyl and R2 is an amino acid side-chain.

Certain enantiomerically-enriched oxazolones (1) are novel.

Description of the Invention As used herein, "enantiomerically enriched" refers to products whose enantiomeric excess (ee) is greater than zero. In general, higher enantiomeric purity (> about 50% ee) is preferred; the enantiomeric excess is more preferably at least 75% and most preferably greater than 90%.

Suitable transition metal complexes for practising the invention are those based on Pd, W, Mo, Rh, Ni, and mixtures thereof (e.g. Pd and Rh). Especially preferred are complexes of Pd(0) with C2-symmetric bidentate diphosphines containing a pair of metal binding moieties of the type C(=O)-Ar-P-(Ar')2, wherein Ar and Ar' are aryl or heteroaryl groups, optionally comprising fused rings, as disclosed in WO-A-9609306. Such

C2-symmetric ligands are available in both enantiomeric forms, thereby allowing with equal facility the preparation of a chosen enantiomer of a target compound. Preferred ligands are of formula 3 or the opposite enantiomer thereof, wherein Ar is an aromatic ring optionally substituted by one or more non-interfering groups, and the respective R groups are each any non- interfering group, or R5 and R6 may be joined to form a ring.

The nature of R groups or any substituent on the Ar rings, e.g. of up to 10, 20 or 30 C atoms, is not critical to the invention. It will be evident to the skilled person, as to which substituents will or will not affect the reaction.

Ar represents an aryl (including heteroaryl) ring. It may be monocyclic. Examples of Ar include furan, thiophene and, preferably, benzene rings. The position ofthe essential substituents on the ring represented by Ar is determined by the requirement that the product acts as a ligand, e.g. that it can act to complex transition metals such as palladium, rhodium, platinum or iridium. Ar is most preferably 1,2-phenylene.

The most preferred ligand for use in the invention is of formula (3) where Ar is 1,2-phenylene, R5 and R6 together form a cyclohexane ring, and R7 and R8 are each phenyl.

This compound is described in the Examples as "Ligand 1". Ligands 2, 3 and 4 differ in that Rs and R6 together are indanyl (and one NH is replaced by O); R7 and R8 are each 3,5-diphenylphenyl; and R7 and R8 are each phenyl.

5(4H)-Oxazolones may be prepared by the direct dehydration ofthe corresponding N-acylated a-amino acid of the formula R'-CO-NH-CHR2-COOH. Briefly, the N-acyl a-

amino acid is treated with N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) in TIIF for 24 hours.

The only by-product, N,N'-dicyclohexylurea (DCU), may be removed by simple filtration at low temperature which results in high yields of pure 5(411)-oxazolones (2).

The allylic electrophile has the formula R3-L. L is any ionisable group (or leaving group).

Illustrative examples of leaving groups include but are not limited to halides, esters, carbonates and carboxylates. Preferred allylic electrophiles are cyclic compounds of formula 4 and acyclic compounds of formula 5 When the allylic electrophile is of formula 4, i.e. cyclic, then n is 1-6. Particularly preferred cyclic allylic electrophiles are 2-cyclopentenyl acetate and 2-cyclohexenyl acetate (n = 1 or 2 and L is acetate). When the allylic electrophile is acyclic, then L1 and L2 are independently any ionizable or leaving group, e.g. as defined above for L. L2 may also be H or a hydrocarbon group as defined above. R4 is any group consistent with the definition of R3, i.e. H or R3 when part thereof is -CH=CH-CflL2-. Preferred acyclic allylic electrophiles are those of formula 5 where L' and L2 are acetate and R4 is hydrogen or phenyl.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a cyclic allylic electrophile (4) is alkylated with a 5(411)-oxazolone (2) in the presence of a base and a catalytic amount of a Pd(0)-diphosphine complex to give a novel product of formula 6

The enantiomeric purity ofthe 4,4-disubstituted-5(4H)-oxazolones (6) is typically high and often exceeds 95% ee. The diastereomeric ratio is largely dependent upon the substrate, solvent and base; it may be between 1:1 and single diastereomer.

Suitable solvent and base combinations include: TIIF and DME with NaH; CH2CI2, CH3CN, DMF, DMSO with Et3N (and other tertiary amines), or Cs2CO3. For example, in the case when the catalyst is a Pd(0) complex of the ligand (3), Rl = phenyl, R2 = methyl, n = 2, and L = acetate, with CH2Cl2 (solvent) and Et3N (base), the product (6) is obtained in a diastereomeric ratio of 2.75: 1, with each diastereomer having 99% ee.

In contrast, when Rl = phenyl, R2 = CH(CH3)2, n = 2, and L = acetate, with CH3CN and Et3N, only a single diastereomer is observed having 99% ee.

In another embodiment of the invention, an acyclic allylic electrophile (5) is used, to give a novel compound of formula 7 Typically, the enantiomeric purity ofthe 4,4-disubstituted-5(4H)-oxazolones (7) is high and often exceeds 95% ee. The diastereomeric ratio is largely dependant upon the substrate, solvent and base, and ranges between 1:1 and to only a single diastereomer being observed. For example, when the catalyst is a Pd(0) complex of the ligand (3), Rl and R3 = phenyl, R2 = methyl, and L1 and L2 = acetate, with CH2Cl2 (solvent) and Et3N

(base), then the product (7) is obtained in a diastereomeric ratio of 4.4:1, each diastereomer having 83% ee and 40% ee, respectively. In contrast, when the catalyst is a Pd(0) complex of ligand (1), Rl and R3 = phenyl, R2 = CH(CH3)2, and L' and L2 = acetate, with DME and NaH, only a single diastereomer is observed having 99% ee.

The enantiomerically enriched 4,4-disubstituted 5(4H)-oxazolones (1) may be readily transformed into enantiomerically enriched a,a-disubstituted amino acids of formula 8 (where Rl and R2 are as previously defined) using well known reactions (including enzymatic reactions) known in the art. For example, hydrolysis of the heterocyclic ring affords an N-acyl a-amino acid. Similarly, alcoholysis of the heterocyclic ring affords an N-acyl a-amino ester.

The following Examples illustrate the invention.

All reactions were carried out under Ar atmosphere using standard syringe techniques. Dried solvents were bubbled with Ar unless otherwise noted. THF, diethyl ether, dimethoxyethane, and dioxane were distilled from sodium benzophenone ketyl.

Benzene and CH2Cl2 were distilled from CaH2. Acetonitrile, DMSO and DMF were dried over molecular sieves. 2-Cyclopentenol, 2-cyclopentenyl acetate, 2-cyclohexenyl acetate, and bis(P3-allyl)di-ll-chlorodipalladium(II) were prepared by literature methods. Melting points were taken on a Thomas-Hoover melting point apparatus in open capillaries and are uncorrected. 'H NMR (300 MHz) and 13C NMR (75 MHz) were obtained on a Varian Gemini 300 spectrometer. NMR spectra were recorded in CDCl3, and chemical shifts were reported in parts per million relative to tetramethylsilane or CDCl3 (77.0 ppm, 13C).

Infrared spectra were recorded on a Perkin Elmer Paragon 500. Optical rotations were measured at 23-25"C in CH2Cl2 on a JASCO DIP-360. Enantiomeric excess was determined by chiral HPLC (Chiracel2) OD or Chiralpak(ED AD column, detection at 254

nm and flow rate 1 mL/min). Flash chromatography was performed on silica gel (Merck Kiegel 60, 230-400 mesh).

Preparation of 2-Oxazolin-5-ones (General Procedure) A solution of 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC, 5.21 g, 25.0 mmol) in THF (25 mL) was added dropwise to a suspension ofN-acyl-amino acid (25.0 mmol) in THF (25 mL) at 0 ° C under Ar. After stirring overnight at room temperature, the suspension was filtered at -40°C under Ar and the precipitate was washed twice with THF (2 x 20 mL) also at -40°C. The combined organic layer was evaporated to dryness and the obtained 2-oxazolin-5-one was not further purified. Compounds prepared in this way are presented in Table 1.

Table 1 R R' N-acyl-AA Yield (g) Methyl Phenyl 4.83 g 99% (4.34 g) Methyled 2-Methoxyphenylc 2.72 g 100% (2.53 g) Methylb,d tert-Butylf 2.45 g 90% (1.96 g) MethylCd 2-Pyridylg 0.479 g Benzyl Phenyl 6.73 g 89% (5.61 g) Isobutyl Phenyl 2.94 g 83% (2.26 g) Isopropyla Phenyl 2.61 g 83% (2.11 g) aScaled to 1/2; b Scaled to 3/5; Ç Scaled to 1/10; d Prepared from DL-alanine methyl ester hydrochloride; e Prepared from the corresponding acid and DCC-Et3N; f Prepared from pivaloyl chloride and Et3N; g Prepared from the corresponding acid and DCC-Et3N.

Example 1 (formula 6 : n = 2, R' = phenyl, R2 = methyl) 2-Cyclohexenyl acetate (14 mg, 100 µmol was added to a solution (0.5 mL) of amine (see Table 2; 200 llmol) and 4-methyl-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one (39.4 mg, 225 µmol). Then a preformed solution (0.5 mL) of bis(#3-allyl)di-µ-chlorodipalladium (II)(0.9 mg, 2.5 lmol) and chiral ligand (7.5 lmol) was added via cannula. The reaction mixture was quenched with aqueous phosphate buffer (pH 7, 20 ml) and extracted with CH2CI2 (3 x 15 mL). The combined organic layer were dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with

petroleum ether-AcOEt (95:5) or hexane-AcOEt (95:5) to give an oil as a non-separable diastereomeric mixture of 4-(2-cyclohexenyl)-4-methyl-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one. Then, enantiomeric and diastereomeric excess were determined by chiral HPLC (Chiracel# OD column, heptane/2-propanol 99.9:0.1), tR(major)= 8.5 (1'R, 4R), 14.0 (1'S, 4S), tR(minor) = 10.5 (1'S, 4R), 16.3 (1'R,4S). Further separation could be accomplished by careful flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with petroleum ether-AcOEt (97:3).

(1'S,4S)-4-(2'-Cyclohexenyl)-4-methyl-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5- one: Oil. [α]D-82.4 (c=1.03, CH2Cl2). 'HNMR(300MHz, CDCl3) 6: 8.01-7.98 (m, 2H), 7.56 (m, 1H), 7.50- 7.45 (m, 2H), 5.84 (m, 1H), 5.53 (m, 1H), 2.64 (m, 1H), 1.98-1.93 (m, 3H), 1.85 (m, 1H), 1.59-1.49 (m, 2H), 1.54 (s, 3H).

(1'S,4R)-4-(2'-Cyclohexenyl)-4-methyl-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5- one: Oil. [α]D-96.2 (c=1.25, CH2Cl2). 'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 6: 8.03-8.00 (m, 2H), 7.58 (m, 1H), 7.51- 7.46(m, 2H), 5.88(m, 1H), 5.65(m, 1H), 2.64(m, 1H), 1.98-1.96(m, 2H), 1.84-1.78(m, 2H), 1.58-1.49 (m, 2H), 1.56(s, 3H).

This reaction was performed under various conditions, as shown in Tables 2A and 2B.

Table 2A Solvent Amine Time Amount Yield D.r. (e.e) CH2Cl2 Et3N 18 h 29 pL 94% 2.75 1 (24.1 mg) (99) (99) CH2C12 Hydroquinidine 4 h 100 mg 87% 2.83 1 9-phenanthryl (22.2 mg) (99) (99) ether CH2C12 (DHQD)2PHAL 4 h 78 mg 76% 2.84 1 (19.3 mg) (99) (99) CH2Cl2 (DHQ)2PYR 4 h 88 mg 94% 2.97 1 (23.9 mg) (99) (99) CH2C12 (-)-MMethyl- 7 h 36.6 mg 72% 2.92 1 ephedrine (18.4 mg) ~ (99) (99) CH2C12 ChiraldS 7 h 56.7 mg 82% 2.97 1 (20.9 mg) (99) (99) CH2C12 4-DMAP 9 h 24.4 mg 55% 2.92 1 (13.8 mg) (99) (99) CH2C12 2,2,6,6- 5 h 36.2 mg 57% 2.96 1 Tetramethyl (14.5 mg) (99) (99) piperidine CH2Cl2 (-)-Quinine 9 h 64.9 mg 50% 2.96 1 (12.8 mg) (98) (98) CH2Cl2 (-)-Sparteine 9 h 46.9 mg 66% 2.89 1 (16.9 mg) (99) (98) CH2Cl2 Quinidine 9 h 64.9 mg 60% 2.92 1 (15.4 mg) (99) (99) CH2C12 (-)-Nicotine 18 h 32.5 mg 48% 2.99 1 (12.2 mg) (99) (99) CH2C12 Triethanolamine 3 h 27 µ 88% 2.78 1 (22.4 mg) (99) (99) cH2c12 DBU 6 h 61 p 30% 2.69 1 (15.3 mg) (99) (99) Toluene Et3N 18 h 29 p 45% 2.75 1 (11.6 mg) (99) (99) Toluene (-)-Nicotine 24 h 32 µ 53% 2.83 1 (13.4 mg) (99) (99)

Table 2B Ligand Yield Time D.r. (e.e.) 2a 85% 2h 1.25 . 1 (11.0 mg) (43.2 mg) (78) (68) 3a 95% 2 h 30' 2.55 . 1 (15.0 mg) (48.7 mg) (62) (62) 4 76% 14 h 2.55 @ 1 (5.9 mg) (19.3 mg) (90) (92) a Reaction scaled x 2.

Example 2 (formula 6 : n = 2, R' = phenyl) 2-Cyclohexenyl acetate (28 mg, 200 pmol) was added to a solution of triethylamine (56 I1L, 400 lmol) and 4-alkyl-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one (alkyl group R2 given in Table 3; 450 «amol) in acetonitrile (1 mL). Then a preformed solution of bis(n3- allyl)di-,-chlorodipalladium (II) (1.8 mg, 4.9 µmol) and ligand 1 (10.4 mg, 15.1 mol) in acetonitrile (1 mL) was added via cannula. The reaction mixture was quenched with aqueous phosphate buffer (pH 7, 40 ml) and extracted with CH2Cl2 (3 x 30 mL). The combined organic layer were dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with petroleum ether-AcOEt to give an oil of 4-alkyl-4-(2-cyclohexenyl)-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one Results are shown in Table 3.

Table 3 R2 Time Yielda D.r. (e.e.) -CH3 4h 90% 8.7 . 1 (78.8 mg) (45.8 mg) (99) (97) -CH2Ph 2 h 74%d 12.4 . 1 (113.1 mg) (48.9 mg) (99) - -CH2CH(CH3)2 2 h 30' 77%b 13.3 . 1 (97.8 mg) (45.9 mg) (99) - -CH(CH3)2 6 h 91% >19 # 1 (91.5 mg)c (51.4 mg) (95) - a Mixture yield; b Major isomer yield, c Racemic ligand 1, d In CH2CI2 74% yield4.21(98):1(96).

(1'S,4S)-4-Benzyl-4-(2'-cyclohexenyl)-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5- one; Petroleum ether - AcOEt (95:5) for chromatography. Enantiomeric excess was determined by chiral HPLC (Chiracel# OD column, heptane/2-propanol 99.9:0.1), tR = 13.0(1'S, 4S), 15.3 (1'R, 4R).

[α]D = -221.8 (c=1.45, CH2CI2, for 99.1% e.e.). Oil. 'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 6: 7.82-7.80 (m, 2H), 7.48 (m, 1H), 7.40-7.35 (m, 2H), 7.17-7.09 (m, 5H), 5.85 (m, lh), 5.60 (m, 1H), 3.33 (d, J=13.2 Hz, 1H), 3.18 (d, J=13.2 Hz, 1H), 2.83 (m, 1H), 2.08-1.99 (m, 3H), 1.88 (m, 1H), 1.71-1.52 (m, 2H).

(1'S,4R)-4-Benzyl-4-(2'-cyclohexenyl)-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5- one: Petroleum ether-AcOEt (95:5) for chromatography. Enantiomeric excess was determined by chiral HPLC (Chiracel# OD column, heptane/2-propanol 99.9:0.1), tR = 15.8 (1'R, 4S), 19.6 (1'S, 4R). [α]D = +37.7 (c=0.71, CH2CI2 for 98.7% e.e.). Oil. 'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 6: 7.85-7.82 (m, 2H), 7.51 (m, 1H), 7.43-7.27 (m, 2H), 7.18-7.10 (m, 5H), 5.92 (m, 1H), 5.74 (m, 1H), 3.36 (d, J=13.2 Hz, 1H), 3.23 (d, J=13.2 Hz, 1H), 2.82 (m, 1H), 2.04-1.98 (m, 2H), 1.96-1.82 (m, 2H), 1.69-1.52 (m, 2H).

(1'S,4S)-4-(2'-Cyclohexenyl)-4-isobutyl-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin- 5-one(major isomer): Petroleum ether-AcOEt (97:3) for chromatography. Diastereomeric excess was determined by HPLC (Microsorb# Si 80-125-C5, flow 2 mL/min, 254 nm, heptane/AcOEt 98:2, tR(major) = 4.1, tR(minor) = 4.9). Enantiomeric excess was determined by chiral HPLC (Chiracel# AD column, heptane/2-propanol 99.9:0.1), tk = 6.9 (1'S, 4S), 7.8 (1'R, 4R). [α]D = -108.4 (c=1.20, CH2CI2). Oil. 'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 6: 8.02-7.99 (m, 2H), 7.57 (m, 1H), 7.51-7.46 (m, 2H), 5.85 (m, 1H), 5.59 (m, 1H), 2.63 (m, 1H), 2.09-1.80 (m, 6H), 1.63-1.44 (m, 3H), 0.89 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3H), 0.85 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3H).

(1 'S,4R)-4-(2'-Cyclohexenyl)-4-isobutyl-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5- one (minor isomer): Petroleum ether-AcOEt (97:3) for chromatography. An analytical sample was purified by semipreparative HPLC (Microsorb# Si 80-199-C5, flow 2 mL/min, 254 nm, heptane/AcOEt 98:2). Oil. 'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 6: 8.04-8.01 (m, 2H), 7.59 (m, 1H), 7.56-7.47(m, 2H), 5.85(m, 1H), 5.56(m, 1H), 5.56(m, 1H), 2.63(m, 1H), 2.10- 1.79 (m, 6H), 1.65-1.45 (m, 3H), 0.90 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3H), 0.85 (d, J=6.6 Hz, 3H).

4-(2'-Cvclohexenvl)-4-isopropvl-2-phenvl-2-oxazolin-5-one (single isomer): Petroleum ether-AcOEt (98:2) for chromatography. Oil. 'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) #: 8.02-7.99(m, 2H), 7.57(m, 1H), 7.54-7.45(m, 2H), 5.84(m, 1H), 5.52(m, 1H), 2.84

(m, 1H), 2.44 (hp, J=6.8 Hz, 1H), 2.01-1.95 (m, 2H), 1.89-1.78 (m, 2H), 1.61-138 (m, 2H), 1.01 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H), 0.99 (d, J=6.8 Hz, 3H).

Example 3 (formula 6 : n = 1, R1 = Ph, R2 is benzyl) 2-Cyclopentenyl acetate (25.2 mg, 200 lmol) or tert-butyl 2-cyclopentenyl carbonate (36.8 mg, 200 µmol) was added to a solution of triethylamine (56 µL, 400 pmol) and 4-benzyl-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one (113.1 mg, 450 µmol) in acetonitrile (1 mL). Then a preformed solution of bis(#3-allyl)di-µ-chlorodipalladium (II)(1.8 mg, 4.9 llmol) and ligand 1 (10.4 mg, 15.1 µmol) in acetonitrile (1 mL) was added via cannula.

After 3 hours the reaction mixture was quenched with aqueous phosphate buffer (pH 7, 40 ml) and extracted with CH2Cl2 (3 x 30 mL). The combined organic layer were dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with petroleum ether-AcOEt (97:3) to give two fractions: the first one was the major isomer, the second one was a mixture of4-benzyl-2- phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one and the minor isomer that could be partially separated.

Results are shown in Table 4.

Table4 L Yielda D.r.b(e.e.)c [α]Dd OAc 71% 5.4 . 1 -290.7 (45.0 mg) (93) -- (c=0.99. CH2C12) OBoc 69% 5.4 . 1 -301.5 (43.8 mg) (95) -- (c=0.98, CH2CI2) a Isolated major isomer, b Determined by H-NMR; c Determined by chiral HPLC, d Major isomer.

4-Benzyl-4-(2'-cyclopentenyl)-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one (major isomer): Oil.

Enantiomeric excess was determined by chiral HPLC (Chiracel# OD column, heptane/2- propanol 99.9:0.1), tR (major) =15.3, tR (minor) = 22.4. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 6: 7.82-7.79 (m, 2H), 7.49 (m, 1H), 7.41-7.36 (m, 211), 7.18-7.10 (m, 5H), 5.90 (m, 1H), 5.60 (m, 1H), 3.55 (m, 1H), 3.31 (d, J=13.4 Hz, 1H), 3.19 (d, J=13.4 Hz, 1H), 2.50-2.27 (m, 2H), 2.19-1.98(m, 2H).

4-Benzvl4(2'-cYdopentenvl)-2-phenvl-2-oxazolin-5-one (minor isomer): Oil. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) #:7.86-7.83 (m, 2H), 7.52(m, 1H), 7.44-7.39(m, 2H), 7.18-

7.11 (m, 5H), 5.97 (m, 1H), 5.75 (m, 1H), 3.36 (m, 1H), 3.30 (d, J=13.3 Hz, 1H), 3.23 (d, J=13.3 Hz, 1H), 2.50-2.28 (m, 2H), 2.15-1.90 (m, 2H).

Example 4 (formula 7: R1 = Ph, R2 = L2 = H) =11) Allyl acetate (21.6 µL, 200 µmol) was added to a solution oftriethylamine (56 pL, 400 µmol) or pentamethylguanidine (51.7 mg, 400 Rmol) and 4-benzyl-2-phenyl-2- oxazolin-5-one (450 pmol) in acetonitrile (1 mL). Then a preformed solution of bis(#3- allyl)di-µ-chlorodipalladium (II)(1.8 mg, 4.9 µmol) and ligand 1 (10.4 mg, 15.1 pmol) in acetonitrile (1 mL) was added via cannula. The reaction mixture was quenched with aqueous phosphate buffer (pH 7, 40 ml) and extracted with CH2Cl2 (3 x 30 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with petroleum ether-AcOEt (95:5) to give 4-allyl-4-benzyl-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one.

Results are shown in Table 5.

Table 5 Base Time Yielda E.e.b [α]D Et3N 2 h 30' 98% 40% -31.1 (57.5 mg) (c=1.10, CH2C12) Pentamethyl- 5 h 70%d 30% -25.4 guanidine (45.0 mg) (c=0.98, CH2CI2) a Not including the catalyst; b Determined by chiral HPLC.

4-Allyl-4-benzyl-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one: Enantiomeric excess was determined by chiral HPLC (Chiracel# OD column, heptane/2-propenyl 99.9:0.1), tR (major)= 14.3, tR (minor) = 17.4. lHNMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 6: 7.86-7.83 (m, 2H), 7.52 (m, 1H), 7.41 (m, 2H), 7.18-7.13 (m, 5H), 5.68 (m, 1H), 5.24-5.10 (m, 2H), 3.24 (d, J=13.4 Hz, 1H), 3.16 (d, J=13.4 Hz, 1H), 2.80-2.67 (m, 2H).

Example 5 (formula 7: R1 = R3 = Ph, L2 = OAc) A solution(1.0 mL) of 4-(R2-substituted)-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one(450 µmol) was added to NaH (95% in oil, 10.1 mg, 400 µmol) at -78°C and warmed to room temperature. When hydrogen evolution ceased, a solution (0.5 mL) of bis(#3-allyl)di-µ- chlorodipalladium (II)(1.8 mg, 4.9 mol) and ligand 1 (10.4 mg, 15.1 mol) was added.

Finally, another solution (1.0 mL) of 3,3-diacetoxy-1-phenylpropene(46.9 mg, 200 µmol)

was added at the desired temperature. The reaction mixture was quenched with aqueous phosphate buffer (pH 7, 40 mL) and extracted with CH2Cl2 (3 X 30 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over Na2SO4 and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with petroleum ether-AcOEt.

Results are shown in Table 6.

Table 6 R2 Sol.(T) Time Base Yielda E.e.b D.r.c [α]De -CH3 CH2Cl2 18 h Et3N 73% (50.9 mg) 83% 4.4:1 -193.5 (2.84) 78.8 mg r.t. 16% (11.4 mg) 40% -37.9 (0.86) -CH3 THF 18 h NaH 38%(26.4 mg) 98% --:-- -221.0(2.20) 78.8 mg r.t. 6% (4.5 mg) 91% -82.2 (0.27) -CH3 DME 5 h NaH 60% (42.1 mg) 99% 6.6:1 -227.7 (4.21) 78.8 mg r.t. 9% (6.4 mg) 96% -92.6 (0.64) -CH2Ph DME 5 h NaH 67% (57.2 mg) 98% 7.8:1 -283.5 (2.67) 113.1 mg r.t. 7%(6.3 mg) 94% +19.1(0.62) -CH2Ph DME 24 h NaH 75% (64.2 mg) 99% 9.7:1 -290.1 (1.08) 113.1 mg 0-5°C 6% (4.9 mg) 96% +21.5 (0.22) -CH2Ph DME 24 h NaH 67% (56.7 mg) 99% 11.2:1 -289.3(1.52) 113.1 mg -20°C 5% (5.9 mg) 98% +25.5 (0.46) -Isobutyl DME 3h NaH 91% (71.1 mg) 99% 15:1 -235.2 (1.02) 97.8 mg 0-5°C 6% (4.7 mg) 95% -40.5 (0.41) -Isopropyl DME 2 h NaH 88% (66.4 mg) 99% >19:1 -208.0 (1.02) 91.5 mg 0-5°C 4%(4.4mg)d -- -- a Isolated yield; b Determined by chiral HPLC; c Determined by H-NMR; d 2% of the other regioisomer; ' Conc. in CH2Cl2.

(E,1'R,4S)-4-(1'-Acetoxy-3'-phenyl-2'-propenyl)-4-methyl-2-p henyl-2-oxazolin-5- one: (major isomer, first fraction). Petroleum ether-AcOEt (9:1) for chromatography.

M.p.: 138-139°C (isopropanol). Enantiomeric excess was determined by chiral HPLC (Chiracel# OD column, heptane/2-propanol 99:1), tR(minor)=11.6, tR(major)=13.7. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 6: 8.10-8.07 (m, 2H), 7.65-7.45 (m, 5H), 7.38-7.26 (m, 3H), 6.88 (d, J=15.9 Hz, 1H), 6.32 (dd, J=15.9, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 5.66 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 1.96 (s, 3H), 1.50 (s, 3H).

(E,1'R,4R)-4-(1'-Acetoxy-3'-phenyl-2'-propenyl)-4-methyl-2-p henyl-2-oxazolin-5- one (minor isomer, second fraction). Petroleum ether-AcOEt (9:1) for chromatography.

M.p.: 142-144°C. Enantiomeric excess was determined by chiral HPLC (Chiracel# OD column, heptane/2-propanol 99:1), tR (major)= 12.8, tR (minor)= 15.6. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 6: 8.03-8.00 (m, 2H), 7.63-7.42 (m, 5H), 7.36-7.28 (m, 3H), 6.81 (d, J=15.9Hz, 1H), 6.36(dd, J=15.9, 8.9Hz, 1H), 5.71 (d,J=8.9Hz, 1H), 1.94(s, 3H), 1.53 (s, 3H).

(E,1'R,4S)-4-(1'-Acetoxy-3'-phenyl-2'-propenyl)-4-benzyl-2-p henyl-2-oxazolin-5- one (major isomer, first fraction). Petroleum ether-AcOEt (9:1) for chromatography on silica gel (2% Et3N). M.p.: 138-140°C (isopropanol). Enantiomeric excess was determined by chiral HPLC (Chiracel# OD column, heptane/2-propanol 99:1), tR (minor) = 17.2, tR (major) = 21.5. lH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 6: 7.91-7.88 (m, 2H), 7.57-7.27 (m, 8H), 7.14-7.11 (m, 5H), 6.95 (d,J=16.0Hz, 1H), 6.42 (dd, J=16.0, 8.9 Hz, 1H), 5.84 (d, J=8.9 Hz, 1H), 3.21 (d, J=13.3 Hz, 1H), 3.12 (d, J=13.3 Hz, 1H), 1.96 (s, 3H).

(E,1'R,4R)-4-(1'-Acetoxy-3'-phenyl-2'-propenyl)-4-benzyl-2-p henyl-2-oxazolin-5- one (minor isomer, second fraction). Petroleum ether-AcOEt (9:1) for chromatography on silica gel (2% Et3N). Oil. Enantiomeric excess was determined by chiral HPLC (Chiracel# AD column, heptane/2-propanol 9: 1), tR (major)= 7.6, tR (minor)= 13.7. lH NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 6: 7.87-7.84 (m, 2H), 7.57-7.30 (m, 8H), 7.18-7.13 (m, 5H), 6.84 (d, J=15.9 Hz, 1H), 6.47 (dd, J=15.9, 9.0 Hz, 1H), 5.87 (d, J=9.0 Hz, 1H), 3.25 (d, J=13.5 Hz, 1H), 3.19 (d, J=13.5 Hz, 1H), 1.96 (s, 3H).

(E,1'R,4S)-4-(1'-Acetoxy-3'-phenyl-2'-propenyl)-4-isobutyl-2 -phenyl-2-oxazolin-5- one (major isomer, first fraction). Petroleum ether-AcOEt (95.5 to 9:1) for chromatography. M.p.: 164-165°C (racemic, heptane/2-propanol, 9:1). Enantiomeric excess was determined by chiral HPLC (Chiracel# AD column, heptane/2-propanol 99.5:0.5), tR (major)= 15.7, tR (minor)= 19.1. lH NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 6: 8.11-8.01 (m, 2H), 7.63 (m, 1H), 7.56-7.46 (m, 411), 7.38-7.26 (m, 3H), 6.86 (d, J=15.9 Hz, 1H), 6.30 (dd, J=15.9, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 5.61 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 1.95 (dd, J=14.0, 7.1 Hz, 1H), 1.95(s, 3H), 1.79(dd,J=14.0, 7.1Hz, 1H), 1.57(m, 1H), 0.85 (m, J=6.5 Hz, 3H), 0.84 (m, J=6.6 Hz, 3H).

(E,1'R,4R)-4-(1'-Acetoxy-3'-phenyl-2'-propenyl)-4-isobutyl-2 -phenyl-2-oxazolin-5 one (minor isomer, second fraction). Petroleum ether-AcOEt (95:5 to 9:1) for chromatography. Oil. Enantiomeric excess was determined by chiral HPLC (Chiracel# AD column, heptane/2-propanol 95:5), tR (major) = 8.2, tR (minor) = 10.0. 1H NMR (300

MHz, CDCI3) 6: 8.04-8.02 (m, 2H), 7.61 (m 1H), 7.54-7.44 (m, 4H), 7.38-7.30 (m, 3H), 6.80(d, J=15.9 Hz, 1H), 6.39(dd, J=15.9, 9.1 Hz, 1H), 5.70(d, J=9.1 Hz, 1H), 1.94 (dd J=13.8, 4.8 Hz, 1H), 1.88 (s, 3H), 1.79 (dd, J=13.8, 4.8 Hz, 1H), 1.67 (m, 1H), 0.89 (m, J=6.5 Hz, 3H), 0.83 (m, J=6.5 Hz, 3H).

(E,1'R,4S)-4-(1'-Acetoxy-3'-phenyl-2'-propenyl)-4-isopropyl- 2-phenyl-2-oxazolin 5-one (major isomer, first fraction). Petroleum ether-AcOEt (95:5 to 9:1) for chromatography. Oil. Enantiomeric excess was determined by chiral HPLC (Chiracel# OD column, heptane/2-propanol 99.8:0.2), tR (major) = 22.4, tR (minor) = 27.5. 1H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 6: 8.10-8.07 (m, 2H), 7.61 (m, 1H), 7.55-7.49 (m, 2H), 7.46-7.43 (m, 2H), 7.36-7.26 (m, 3H), 6.91 (d, J=16. 1 Hz, 1H), 6.33 (dd, J=16. 1, 8.8 Hz, 1H), 5.92 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 2.29 (hp, 1H), 1.96 (s, 3H), 1.18 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 3H), 0.91 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 311).

(E,1'R,4R)-4-(1'-Acetoxy-3'-phenyl-2'-propenyl)-4-isopropyl- 2-phenyl-2-oxazolin 5-one (minor isomer, third fraction). Petroleum ether-AcOEt (95:5 to 9:1) for chromatography. Oil impurified with the other regioisomer. 'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 6: 8.06-8.03 (m, 2H), 7.61 (m, 1H), 7.55-7.44 (m, 4H), 7.38-7.28 (m, 3H), 6.88 (d, J=15.8 Hz, 1H), 6.49 (dd, J=15.8, 9.3 Hz, 1H), 5.87 (d, J=9.3 Hz, 1H), 2.30 (hp, 1H), 1.87 (s, 3H), 1.16 (d, J=6.7 Hz, 3H), 0.85 (d, J=6.7 Hz, 3H).

4-(3 '-Acetoxy- 1 '-phenvl-2'-ropenyl)-4-i sonrovvl-2-phenvl-2-oxazolin-5 -one (second fraction, only one diastereoisomer). Petroleum ether-AcOEt (95:5 to 9:1) for chromatography. Oil impurified with the other regioisomer. 'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCI3) 6: 7.87-7.85 (m, 2H), 7.61-7.44 (m, 611), 7.17-7.10 (m, 3H), 6.07 (dd, J=12.6, 10.7 Hz, 1H), 3.99 (d, J=10.7 Hz, 1H), 2.38 (hp, 1H), 2.13 (s, 3H), 1.27 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 3H), 0.86 (d, J=6.9 Hz, 3H).

Example 6 (formula 7: R' = Ph, R3 = n-propyl, L2 = OAc) A solution of4-(R2-substituted)-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one (450 µmol) was added to NaH (95% in oil, 10.1 mg, 400 µmol) at -78°C and warmed to room temperature in DME (1.0 mL). When the bubbling stopped, a solution of bis(#3-allyl)di-µ- chlorodipaliadium (II) (1.8 mg, 4.9 Clmol) and ligand 1(10.4 mg, 15.1 µmol) in DME (1 (1.5 mL). Finally, 1,1 -diacetoxy-2-hexene (40.0 mg, 200 µmol) was added dropwise at 0 0C.

The reaction mixture was quenched with aqueous phosphate buffer (pH 7, 40 ml) and extracted with CH2Cl2 (3 x 30 mL). The combined organic layer was dried over Na2SO4

and concentrated in vacuo. The residue was purified by flash chromatography on silica gel eluting with petroleum ether-AcOEt (95:5).

Results are shown in Table 7.

Table 7 Time Yieldb E.e.c D.r.a EaJ -CH3 6 hr 22% (13.7 mg) 86% 1:ld -71.5 (c=0.81) (78.8 mg) 22% (13.7 mg) 97% -40.9 (c=0.49) -CH2Ph 2 hr 39% (30.4 mg) 91% 1.2:1 -161.2 (c=1.90) (113.1 mg) 33% (25.7 mg) 97% +90.4 (c=1.67) a Determined by H-NMR; b Isolated yield; c Determined by chiral HPLC; d The other regioisomer was obtained in 20% (12.5 mg) yield and d.r. (e.e.) 3.1 (71%):1(65%).

4-(1'-Acetoxy-2'-hexenyl)-4-benzyl-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one (major isomer, first fraction): Oil. Enantiomeric excess was determined by chiral HPLC (Chiracel# OD column, heptane/2-propanol 99.5:0.5), tR (minor) = 10.9, tR (major) = 15.5. 'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 6: 7.88-7.85 (m, 2H), 7.54 (m, 1H), 7.46-7.41 (m, 2H), 7.14-7.10 (m, 5H), 6.07 (m, 1H), 5.72-5.61 (m, 2H), 3.18(d, J=13.4 Hz, 1H), 3.09 (d,J=13.4 Hz, 1H), 2.16-2.09 (m, 2H), 1.96 (s, 3H), 1.45 (m, 1H), 0.91 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H).

4-( 1 '-Acetoxy-2'-hexenvl)-4-benzvl-2-phenvl-2-oxazolin-5-one (minor isomer, second fraction): Oil. Enantiomeric excess was determined by chiral HPLC (Chiracel# OD column, heptane/2-propanol 99.5:0.5), tR (major)= 10.7, tR (minor)= 14.9. 'HNMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 6: 7.85-7.82 (m, 2H), 7.53 (m, 1H), 7.44-7.39 (m, 2H), 7.17-7.11 (m, 5H), 5.96 (m, 1H), 5.75-5.67 (m, 2H), 3.20 (d, J=13.4 Hz, 1H), 3.15 (d, J=13.4 Hz, 1H), 2.13-2.06 (m, 2H), 1.95 (s, 3H), 1.43 (m, 1H), 0.89 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 3H).

4-(1 '-Acetoxy-2'-hexenvl)A-methvl-2-nhenvl-2-oxazolin-5-one (first fraction): Oil.

Enantiomeric excess (86%) was determined by chiral HPLC (Chiracel# OD column, heptane/2-propanol 99.5:0.5), tR (minor) = 8.0, tR (major) = 10.3. 'H NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 6: 8.06-8.03 (m, 2H), 7.61 (m, 1H), 7.54-7.48 (m, 211), 6.00 (m, 1H), 5.58 (m, 1H), 5.45 (d, J=8.8 Hz, 1H), 2.13-2.05 (m, 2H), 1.95 (s, 3H), 1.46 (s, 3H), 1.49-1.37 (m, 2H), 0.89 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H).

4-(3'-Acetoxv- 1 '-prnnenvl-2'-propenvl)-4-methvl-2-henvl-2-oxazolin-5-one (second fraction): Mixture of two diastereoisomers: A (major) and B (minor).

Diastereomeric and enantiomeric excess were determined by chiral HPLC (Chiracel# OD

column, heptane/2-propanol 99.8:0.2), tR (A, major)= 10.6, tR (A, minor)= 12.1, tR (B, minor)= 13.71, tR (B, major)= 18.2. Spectral data ofthe mixture (only A is shown): lH NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3)#: 8.03-8.00 (m, 2H), 7.57 (m, 1H), 7.52-7.47 (m, 2H), 7.21 (d, J=12.6 Hz, 1H), 5.37 (dd, J=12.6, 10.0 Hz, 1H), 2.40 (m, 1H), 2.15 (s, 3H), 1.46 (s, 3H), 1.40-1.14 (m, 4H), 0.82 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 3H).

4-(1'-Acetoxy-2'-hexenyl)-4-methyl-2-phenyl-2-oxazolin-5-one (third fraction): Oil. Enantiomeric excess (97%) was determined by chiral HPLC (Chiracel# OD column, heptane/2-propanol 99.5:0.5), tR (major) = 9.1, tR (minor) = 13.2. lH NMR (300 MHz, CDCl3) 6: 8.01-7.99 (m, 2H), 7.60 (m, 1H), 7.52-7.47 (m, 2H), 5.93 (m, 1H), 5.65-5.50 (m, 2H), 2.10-2.02 (m, 2H), 1.93 (s, 3H), 1.49 (s, 3H), 1.47-1.35 (m, 2H), 0.88 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 3H).