DNA-based asymmetric organometallic catalysis in water

Here, the first examples of DNA-based organometallic catalysis in water that give rise to high enantioselectivities are described. Copper complexes of strongly intercalating ligands were found to enable the asymmetric intramolecular cyclopropanation of alpha-diazo-beta-keto sulfones in water. Up to 84% ee was achieved, in the presence of salmon testes DNA as the only source of chirality, using dipyrido [3,2-a: 2',3'-c] phenazine (dppz) derivatives as ligands.