Synthesis of new planar chiral [2.2]paracyclophane Schiff base ligands and their application in the asymmetric Henry reaction

A series of new planar and central chiral ligands based on [2.2]paracyclophane backbones were designed and prepared from enantiomerically pure 4-amino-13-bromo[2.2]paracyclophane and commercially available chiral amino alcohols. Their application in a copper-catalyzed asymmetric Henry reaction resulted in secondary alcohols with high yield and excellent selectivity for active aldehydes (up to 94% ee). This is a successful example of employing planar chiral [2.2]paracyclophane ligands in copper-catalyzed reaction. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.