Asymmetric one-pot synthesis of 1,3-oxazolidines and 1,3-oxazinanes via hemiaminal intermediates.

A highly efficient method for the enantioselective one-pot synthesis of 1,3-oxazolidines and 1,3-oxazinanes has been reported. The reaction proceeds via the formation of hemiaminal intermediates obtained by the enantioselective addition of respective alcohols to imines catalyzed by a chiral magnesium phosphate catalyst, followed by intramolecular cyclization under mildly basic conditions. A wide range of substrates have been converted to the respective chiral heterocyclic products in high yields and with excellent enantioselectivities using this one-pot procedure.