Chiral phosphonite, phosphite and phosphoramiditeη6-arene-ruthenium(ii) complexes: application to the kinetic resolution of allylic alcohols

Abstract

The synthesis and characterization of chiral arene-ruthenium complexes [RuCl₂(η⁶-arene){(R)-PR(binaphthoxy)}] (arene = benzene (1), p-cymene (2), mesitylene (3); R = Ph (a), OPh (b), piperidyl (c)) are described. Derivatives 1–3 have been employed to promote the kinetic resolution of allylic alcohols through a redox-isomerization process. As a general trend, the best selectivities are attained with the more sterically hindered catalysts i.e. those containing p-cymene or mesitylene ligands.