Catalytic Asymmetric Ring-Opening Reaction of meso-Epoxides with Aryl Selenols and Thiols Catalyzed by a Heterobimetallic Gallium-Titanium-Salen Complex

A chiral heterobimetallic Lewis acid complex has been developed as an efficient catalyst. The enantioselective desymmetrization of meso-epoxides with aryl selenols and thiols catalyzed by the heterobimetallic complex has been optimized. The optically active beta-arylseleno alcohols and beta-hydroxy sulfides were obtained in good yields and high enantioselectivities (up to 97% ee and 92% ee, respectively). A strong synergistic effect between different Lewis acids was exhibited in the catalytic process.