Asymmetric Henry reaction catalyzed by chiral secondary diamine-copper(II) complexes

Abstract

The enantioselective Henry reaction was efficiently carried out under mild reaction conditions in 96% ethanol. The chiral C 2 -symmetric, secondary bisamines based on the 1,2-diaminocyclohexane framework and copper(II) acetate were found to promote the asymmetric nitroaldol reaction. Aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes were reacted with nitromethane to provide the corresponding β-nitroalcohols in very good yields and enantioselectivities up to 94%.