Ligand differentiated complementary Rh-catalyst systems for the enantioselective desymmetrization of meso-cyclic anhydrides

Two distinct systems for the rhodium-catalyzed enantioselective desymmetrization of meso-cyclic anhydrides have been developed. Each system has been optimized and are compatible with the use of in situ prepared organozinc reagents. Rhodium/PHOX species efficiently catalyze the addition of alkyi nucleophiles to glutaric anhydrides, while system is effective in the enantioselective arylation of succinic and glutaric anhydrides. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.