Karsten Juhl

Bio: Karsten Juhl is an academic researcher from Lundbeck. The author has contributed to research in topics: Catalysis & Enantioselective synthesis. The author has an hindex of 14, co-authored 35 publications receiving 2154 citations. Previous affiliations of Karsten Juhl include National Research Foundation of South Africa & Aarhus University.

Direct l-Proline-Catalyzed Asymmetric α-Amination of Ketones

Abstract: The first direct catalytic asymmetric α-amination of ketones catalyzed by l-proline has been developed. The reactions proceed with various azodicarboxylates as the nitrogen source in high yields and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee). The scope and potential of the reaction are demonstrated by further transformation of the α-hydrazino ketones formed to both optically active syn and anti-α-amino alcohol derivatives.

Copper-Catalyzed Enantioselective Henry Reactions of α-Keto Esters: An Easy Entry to Optically Active β-Nitro-α-hydroxy Esters and β-Amino-α-hydroxy Esters

Abstract: The catalytic enantioselective Henry reaction of α-keto esters with nitromethane has been developed. The reaction conditions have been optimized by the screening of different chiral Lewis acids, solvents, and bases, and it was found that the copper(II)−tert-butyl bisoxazoline complex in combination with triethylamine catalyzed a highly enantioselective reaction giving optically active β-nitro-α-hydroxy esters in high yields and with excellent enantiomeric excesses. The scope of the reaction is demonstrated by the reaction of a variety of different α-keto esters. The catalytic enantioselective Henry reaction of β,γ-unsaturated-α-keto esters proceeds as a 1,2-addition reaction exclusively, in contrast to the uncatalyzed reaction where both the 1,2- and 1,4-addition products are formed. It is demonstrated that the β-nitro-α-hydroxy esters can be converted into, e.g., Boc-protected β-amino-α-hydroxy esters in high yields and without loss of optical purity. The mechanism for the reaction is discussed, and it i...

Catalytic Asymmetric Direct Mannich Reactions of Carbonyl Compounds withα-Imino Esters

Abstract: The development of a direct catalytic asymmetric Mannich reaction is shown and its potential demonstrated by the synthesis of optically active lactones via 4-hydroxyglutamic acid ester derivatives. The catalytic asymmetric Mannich reaction of carbonyl compounds with α-imino esters [Eq. (1); Ts = p-toluenesulfonyl] gives good yields and diastereoselectivities, as well as excellent enantioselectivities.

Asymmetric organocatalytic domino reactions.

Abstract: The current status of organic synthesis is hampered by costly protecting-group strategies and lengthy purification procedures after each synthetic step. To circumvent these problems, the synthetic potential of multicomponent domino reactions has been utilized for the efficient and stereoselective construction of complex molecules from simple precursors in a single process. In particular, domino reactions mediated by organocatalysts are in a way biomimetic, as this principle is used very efficiently in the biosynthesis of complex natural products starting from simple precursors. In this Minireview, we discuss the current development of this fast-growing field.

Chiral Brønsted acid-catalyzed direct Mannich reactions via electrophilic activation.

Abstract: It was found that the phosphoric acid derivatives of general structure 1 serve as highly effective catalysts for the direct addition of acetyl acetone to N-Boc-protected arylimines. The beneficial effects of the 3,3‘-bisaryl substituents of the catalysts on the enantioselectivity are greatly appreciated, and thus 1d functions as an excellent catalyst. The Bronsted acid-catalyzed direct Mannich reactions presented herein provide an attractive way to construct β-aminoketones under extremely mild conditions. The stereochemical course of this reaction was established through the synthesis of Boc-(S)-phenylglycine methylester. The transformation thus demonstrated is applicable to a useful method for the synthesis of various phenylglycine derivatives.

Enamine-Based Organocatalysis with Proline and Diamines: The Development of Direct Catalytic Asymmetric Aldol, Mannich, Michael, and Diels−Alder Reactions

Abstract: Enamines and imines have long been recognized as key intermediates in enzyme catalysis, particularly within a class of enzymes organic chemists would very much like to emulate, the aldolases. Here we summarize the contributions of this laboratory to converting enzymatic enamines, and in some cases imines, into a versatile catalytic asymmetric strategy powered by small organic molecules.