A Platinum(0) Complex as π‐Lewis Base Catalyst for Asymmetric Friedel‐Crafts Reaction

Abstract Here we demonstrate that a Pt 0 complex can function as an efficient π‐Lewis base catalyst to increase the nucleophilicity of deactivated heteroarenes upon η 2 ‐coordination and resultant π‐backdonation, thus enabling asymmetric Friedel‐Crafts reaction with electrophiles. A diversity of densely functionalized adducts are produced in high yields with moderate to excellent enantioselectivity. Preliminary frontier molecular orbital (FMO) calculations and in situ 1 H NMR analysis support the Pt 0 π‐Lewis base catalytic mode.