Catalytic asymmetric synthesis of chiral diol, bis[2-(1-hydroxyalkyl)-phenyl]ether, an asymmetric autocatalytic reaction

Abstract

Chiral diols, bis[2-(1-hydroxyalkyl)phenyl]ethers, with very high e.e.'s are synthesized by catalytic enantioselective alkylation of bis(2-formylphenyl)ether. Zinc alkoxides of chiral diols were found to work as asymmetric autocatalysts in the reaction between bis(2-formylphenyl)ether and dialkylzincs.