Catalytic enantioselective desymmetrization of 1,3-diazido-2-propanol via intramolecular interception of alkyl azides with diazo(aryl)acetates.

The first catalytic enantioselective desymmetrization of 1,3-diazido-2-propanol via an intramolecular interception of alkyl azides by Cu-carbenoids has been realized. A wide range of 1,3-diazidoisopropyl diazo(aryl)acetates were converted to cyclic α-imino esters in the presence of bisoxazoline ligand (S,S)-Ph-Box with good to excellent yields, and the enantiomeric excess was up to 97%.