Remote Electronic Effect of Chiral N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalyst on an Asymmetric Benzoin Reaction

A remote electronic effect of chiral aminoindanol-derived N-heterocyclic carbene catalyst on an asymmetric benzoin reaction was investigated. The catalyst bearing remote electron-withdrawing substituents increased enantioselectivity of the reaction at the cost of the reaction rate. DFT calculations rationalized the increased enantioselectivity.

Automated summary

The remote electronic effect of a chiral aminoindanol-derived N-heterocyclic carbene catalyst on an asymmetric benzoin reaction was investigated. The catalyst containing remote electron-withdrawing substituents increased the enantioselectivity of the reaction, albeit at the expense of the reaction rate. DFT calculations provided a rationale for the enhanced enantioselectivity.