Enantioselective alkoxylation with electrogenerated chiral carbocation intermediates

Electrochemical reactions via carbocation intermediates remain fundamental transformations that build up molecular functionality and complexity in a sustainable manner. Enantioselective control of such processes is a great challenge in a highly ionic electrolyte solution. Here, we report an anodic generation of chiral α-imino carbocation intermediates by enamine catalysis. The chiral carbocation intermediates can be intercepted by simple alcohols to deliver chiral tertiary ethers with high stereoselectivity. The key SN1 step proceeds via a tertiary amine-mediated proton shuttle that facilitates facial selection in reacting with carbocation. This study presents a viable electrochemical strategy for externally tuning enamine catalysis.