Synfacts 2006(11): 1131-1131  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-949439
Metal-Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis and Stereoselective Reactions
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Recyclable Ti(IV)/V(V) Catalysts for ChiralO-Acetylcyanohydrin Formation

Contributor(s): Mark Lautens, Andrew Martins
N-u. H. Khan*, S. Agrawal, R. I. Kureshy, S. H. R. Abdi, V. J. Mayani, R. V. Jasra
Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute, Bhavnagar, India
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
24 October 2006 (online)

Significance

Using chiral dimeric Ti(IV) or V(V) salen complexes, aldehydes can be converted into chiral O-acetylcyanohydrins in excellent yield and ee. The reaction can be performed with either KCN or the less toxic NaCN as the cyanide source. In addition, the catalyst can be isolated and reused with slight erosion of reactivity, but with no erosion of enantioselectivity. Overall, it was found that the chiral V(V) complex performed better than the Ti(IV) complex, although both performed well under the reaction conditions.