Modular Access to P(V)‐Stereogenic Compounds via Cu‐Catalyzed Desymmetrization of (Thio)Phosphonic Dichlorides

Chiral phosphorus(V) centers-particularly those bearing fully heteroatom-substituted frameworks-are key stereochemical motifs in pharmaceuticals, nucleic acid therapeutics, and functional materials. However, their stereoselective construction remains a long-standing challenge in synthetic chemistry. Here, we report a copper-catalyzed desymmetrization strategy enabled by rationally engineered PIM ligands that affords broad and modular access to structurally diverse P(V)-stereogenic compounds. By harnessing the tunable Lewis acidity and well-defined chiral environment of the catalyst-together with the distinct mechanistic features of chiral Lewis acid catalysis-this strategy overcomes the substrate scope limitations that have constrained traditional approaches. The method demonstrates broad functional group tolerance and delivers high levels of stereocontrol across seven distinct substitution patterns, including the efficient construction of chiral P═S motifs previously considered synthetically challenging. Importantly, the approach enables efficient late-stage derivatization of nucleosides and their analogs, thereby providing a general entry point to stereodefined P(V)-containing bioactive molecules. This work not only expands the utility of transition-metal Lewis acid catalysis in phosphorus chemistry, but also establishes a versatile framework for applications in drug discovery and nucleic acid-based therapeutics where precise stereochemical control is essential.

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Publication Details

Journal
Angewandte Chemie International Edition
Published
2025-06-17
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202509807
Citations
13
Primary Topic
Asymmetric Hydrogenation and Catalysis
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
6.99
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article

Modular Access to P(V)‐Stereogenic Compounds via Cu‐Catalyzed Desymmetrization of (Thio)Phosphonic Dichlorides

Tian Xie, Shuai-Shuai Fang, Ming Shan, Ming‐Hong Li et al.
13 citations
Angewandte Chemie International Edition
Asymmetric Hydrogenation and Catalysis
6.99
article

Modular Access to P(V)‐Stereogenic Compounds via Cu‐Catalyzed Desymmetrization of (Thio)Phosphonic Dichlorides

Tian Xie, Shuai-Shuai Fang, Ming Shan, Ming‐Hong Li, Ji-Yuan Lv, Hong-Qing Yao, Yueming Cai
article en
13 citations

Abstract

Chiral phosphorus(V) centers-particularly those bearing fully heteroatom-substituted frameworks-are key stereochemical motifs in pharmaceuticals, nucleic acid therapeutics, and functional materials. However, their stereoselective construction remains a long-standing challenge in synthetic chemistry. Here, we report a copper-catalyzed desymmetrization strategy enabled by rationally engineered PIM ligands that affords broad and modular access to structurally diverse P(V)-stereogenic compounds. By harnessing the tunable Lewis acidity and well-defined chiral environment of the catalyst-together with the distinct mechanistic features of chiral Lewis acid catalysis-this strategy overcomes the substrate scope limitations that have constrained traditional approaches. The method demonstrates broad functional group tolerance and delivers high levels of stereocontrol across seven distinct substitution patterns, including the efficient construction of chiral P═S motifs previously considered synthetically challenging. Importantly, the approach enables efficient late-stage derivatization of nucleosides and their analogs, thereby providing a general entry point to stereodefined P(V)-containing bioactive molecules. This work not only expands the utility of transition-metal Lewis acid catalysis in phosphorus chemistry, but also establishes a versatile framework for applications in drug discovery and nucleic acid-based therapeutics where precise stereochemical control is essential.

Angewandte Chemie International EditionVol. 64(34)
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (CN), Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry (CN), Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 3%
Asymmetric Hydrogenation and Catalysis
6.99
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