Novel optically active 7,7′-bridged-1,1′-biisoquinolines and their chelation to rhodium (I) ion

Abstract

Optically pure 7,7′-ethylenedioxy-1,1′-biisoquinoline 2and the 7,7′-(5-methoxy-m-xylylenedioxy) analogue 3 are prepared; their chelation to rhodium(I) takes place with complete retention when (R)-(–)-3 is treated with [RhCl(cod)]₂ to give [Rh{(R)-(–)-3}(cod)]⁺, while a similar reaction of (+)-2gives a racemic complex [Rh(2)(cod)]⁺; both Rh^Icomplexes are structurally characterized by an X-ray diffraction study.