The first rhodium-BINAP complex-catalyzed enantioselective Pauson-Khand reaction in aqueous media, which is accelerated by surfactant, is reported. The chiral rhodium catalyst is easily prepared in situ from 1 equivalent of [Rh(cod)Cl]2 and 2 equivalents of BINAP under 1 atm of CO and a temperature of 60 °C or 90 °C. Ee’s up to 96% were achieved for the intramolecular Pauson-Khand reaction, but the yields are highly dependent upon the substrate itself.
Pauson-Khand reaction - rhodium - BINAP - surfactant - aqueous