Phase-transfer enantioselective monoalkylation of prochiral nickel(ii) complexes catalyzed by 3,3′-bis[hydroxy(diphenyl)methyl]-1,1′-binaphthyl-2,23′-diol (BIMBOL) as a route to α-amino acids

Abstract

An achiral nickel complex with a Schiff base derived from glycine was alkylated with alkyl halides under conditions of asymmetric phase-transfer catalysis. The chiral tetraol (R)-BIMBOL was employed as a catalyst. The enantiomeric purity of the alkylation products was up to 88%. Subsequent decomposition of the complexes afforded the corresponding a-amino acids.