The first transition metal-ligand complex-catalyzed regioselective and stereoselective aminohalogenation of cinnamic esters

Transition metal-ligand complex-catalyzed regio- and stereoselective aminoh alogenation of cinnamic esters has been developed using p-TsNCl2 as the nit rogen and chlorine sources. Dichloro-(1,10-phenanthroline)-palladium (II) a s the catalyst can be handled very conveniently due to its property of less hygroscopic as compared with other aminohalogenation catalysts. The reacti on is suggested to proceed through the mechanism involving N-tosyl N-chloro aziridinium intermediate. Eight examples are presented with modest to good yields (56-82%) and excellent stereoselectivity (> 10:1). (C) 2001 Elsevie r Science Ltd. All rights reserved.