Synthesis of optically active atropisomeric anilide derivatives and their application to asymmetric reaction

N-Substituted anilide derivatives bearing a large substitutent such as a tert-Bu group at the ortho-position have atropisomerism due to the high rotation barrier of the N-Ar bond and resist racemization. We have succeeded in the synthesis of such atropisomeric N-Ar amides, imides and lactams with high optically purity and definite absolute configuration, and the development of various asymmetric reactions using them. Furthermore, catalytic asymmetric reaction with such atropisomeric anilide as a chiral ligand is also described.