Novel heterobimetallic asymmetric catalysis directing toward enzymatic function

Abstract

A unique feature of multifunctional asymmetric catalysts is described. Catalytic asymmetric Michael reaction of cyclic enones with Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reagents proceeds efficiently by use of an aluminum–lithium–BINOL complex that is activated by an addition of alkali metal reagent. In addition, rare earth–3-hydroxymethyl–BINOL complexes promote asymmetric epoxidation of cis-enones to afford cis-epoxyketones. Both of these types of reactions are believed to be realized by a synergistic cooperation of two different metals in the complexes.