D2-Symmetric Chiroporphyrins Derived from (1R)-cis-Hemicaronaldehydic Acid: Preparation and Spectral Characterization

Abstract

Esters, N,N-disubstituted amides, and a N-acylurea derived from the enantiopure industrial intermediate (1R)-cis-hemicaronaldehydic acid (or biocartol) are convenient synthons for the preparation of a series of chiroporphyrins by condensation with pyrrole. These chiral meso-tetracyclopropylporphyrins are obtained exclusively as the D2-symmetric α,β,α,β atropisomer, generally in low to moderate yields (2-20%), and in the urea case in excellent yield (60%). Hydrolysis of the urea substituents affords a chiroporphyrin with mono-N-substituted amide groups. 1H-NMR spectroscopy indicates that the ester, amide, and urea stereogenic groups sit on the porphyrin close to the metal binding site and restrict substrate or ligand access along a C2-symmetric groove. This structural feature of chiroporphyrins and of their metal complexes is of high potential interest in asymmetric catalysis and chiral recognition.