Metal-Organic-Network Chiral Ligands

Significance

A metal-organic 3D network was constructed by mixing L and Cd(NO₃)₂ species. The binaphthol derivative L was linked to the octahedral Cd center to form the 2D-square grid where each Cd group is connected to two of the different types of Cd via nitrate bridge in the axial positions. The axial Cd groups were connected with each other to form a zig-zag 1D chain (arrow in pink) by the bridging nitrates. Thus, the 2D grids and 1D zig-zag chain were joined to construct the 3D framework (schematically shown above). The 3D network A forms twofold interpenetrated structures. The A-Ti complex generated in situ by mixing A and Ti(OiPr)₄ was found to promote asymmetric alkylation of aromatic aldehydes with Et₂Zn with up to 90% ee.