Desymmetrization of meso-1,2-Diols by a Chiral N,N-4-Dimethylaminopyridine Derivative Containing a 1,1'-Binaphthyl Unit: Importance of the Hydroxy Groups

We developed an acylative desymmetrization of meso-1,2-diols using a binaphthyl-based N,N-4-dimethylamino-pyridine (DMAP) derivative lh with tert-alcohol substituents. The reaction proceeds with a wide range of acyclic meso-1,2-diols and six-membered-ring meso-1,2-diols to provide a monoacylate selectively with a high enantiomeric ratio (er). Only 0.1 mol % of the catalyst facilitated the reaction within a short reaction time (3 h) to afford enantio-enriched monoacylated products in moderate to good yield. Several control experiments revealed that the tert-alcohol units of catalyst lh play a significant role in achieving high catalytic activity, chemoselectivity of monoacylation, and enantioselectivity.