Novel titanocene-tartrate complexes as catalysts for the asymmetric epoxidation of allylic alcohols

This communication presents the synthesis of novel titanocene-based chiral complexes and their application as catalysts for asymmetric oxidation reactions. These new complexes drive the catalytic asymmetric oxidation of allylic alcohols without the requirement of low temperature conditions, a usual drawback in asymmetric synthesis. Results from catalytic studies show that the enantioselectivity of these chiral complexes strongly depends on the steric hindrances caused by the chiral ligand and the alkyl hydroperoxide oxidant around the titanium centre. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.