Atroposelective Synthesis, Structure and Properties of a Novel Class of Axially Chiral N‐Aryl Quinolinium Salt

Inspired by naturally occurring molecules containing atropisomeric N + ‐C axes, we have developed a novel synthetic approach to generate a library of axially chiral N ‐aryl quinolinium salts. Enantiopurities up to 93% ee were obtained via a four step route from commercially available precursors. Axial stereochemistry was controlled through an enantioselective ring‐closing Buchwald‐Harwig coupling reaction. The structure and properties of the salts were examined by X‐ray crystallography, DFT, UV‐vis and fluorescence spectroscopy, revealing high rotational barriers and solvatochromic behaviour.