Imines derived from (1S,2R)-norephedrine as catalysts in the enantioselective addition of diethylzinc to aldehydes

Abstract Purpose of the research was to determine the activity of chiral imine ligands prepared from (1S,2R)-norephedrine for the enantioselective addition of diethylzinc to aldehydes. Imine ligands reveal medium enantioselectivity, with the ee exceeding 30%. The highest ee (97%) was obtained for imine with 9-anthryl substituent, when p -methoxybenzaldehyde was used as substrate. The yields of the reaction obtained after 24–72 h reached 76–96%. The absolute configuration of the addition product depends on the geometry of presented transition states and π–π stacking interactions between the investigated ligands and the benzaldehyde substrate. Imine ligands derived 2-hydroxyacetophenone and with 9-anthryl substituent reveal strong absorbance in UV–vis spectra. Intermediates for the imines – diethylzinc – based catalysis and probable mechanisms were proposed.