Enantioselective hydroarylation of bridged [3.2.1] heterocycles: an efficient entry into the homoepibatidine skeleton.

Achiral [3.2.1] bridged heterocycles containing a bridging amide can undergo enantioselective hydroarylation reactions under rhodium(I) catalysis. These reactions proceed in high yield and enantioselectivity in most cases, under mild reaction conditions and using commercially available Josiphos ligands. The phosphine ligand structure and the protecting group on the nitrogen both have significant effects on the selectivity and yield of the reactions.