Enantioselective synthesis of α-heteroarylpyrrolidines by copper-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of α-silylimines.

α-Heteroarylpyrrolidines have been efficiently prepared via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between silylimines and activated olefins. In the presence of Cu(CH3CN)4PF6/Walphos as catalytic system, high levels of enantioselectivity (up to ≥99% ee) and diastereoselectivity were achieved (major formation of C-2/C-4 trans-substituted pyrrolidines). The reaction is compatible with a broad variety of dipolarophiles including maleimides, maleates, fumarates, nitroalkenes, and vinylsulfones. The resulting cycloadducts can be transformed into bioactive pyrrolidine derivatives.