N-Heterocyclic carbene promoted enantioselective desymmetrization reaction of diarylalkane-bisphenols

An enantioselective NHC-catalyzed desymmetrization reaction of diarylalkane-bisphenols with aldehydes was reported with linear free energy relationships (LFERs) to correlate the enantioselectivities with the steric and electronic parameters. The reaction scope is substantial, and a wide range of aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes, as well as diarylalkane-bisphenols were tolerated under the reaction conditions. As a result, a series of diarylalkane-bisphenol products were generated with excellent reactivities and enantioselectivities (up to 99% yield and up to 98.7 : 1.3 er). Furthermore, the reaction can be scaled up, and the desired product can be easily converted to valuable structures.