[2.2]Paracyclophane-Derived Planar-Chiral Hydrogen-Bond Receptors

The development of planar-chiral hydrogen-bond donors based on the [2.2]paracyclophane scaffold is discussed. General strategies to access functionalized enantiopure [2.2]paracyclophane derivatives are briefly reviewed, with the focus on suitable precursors for the synthesis of planar-chiral thiourea derivatives. The synthesis of fourteen hydrogen-bond donors is described. The interaction of four thiourea derivatives with hydrogen-bond acceptors (DMSO and tetramethylammonium chloride) was investigated by 1H NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. A selection of enantiomerically pure planar-chiral derivatives was applied in asymmetric hydrogen-bond catalysis.