Asymmetric induction in Darzens condensation by means of (−)-8-phenylmenthyl and (−)-menthyl auxiliaries

Asymmetric Darzens condensation of benzaldehyde and various ketones has been investigated. The condensation of acetophenone, propiophenone and symmetric ketones with (–)-8-phenylmenthyl halogenoacetates 3a,b afforded the corresponding glycidic esters cis-12, cis-13 and 15–19 in 77–96% de, respectively, as the major products. Aza-Darzens condensation between N-benzylideneaniline and 3a occurred to give the trans-aziridine 21 as the major isomer in >85% de. The stereochemistry of the major diastereoisomers of cis-12 and 18 was confirmed by their conversion into the known optically active diols 22 and 24. The configuration of the major product of cis-12 was determined to be 2R,3R and that of 18 to be 2R. The geometric and disastereofacial selectivities were understandable in terms of the open-chain or non-chelated antiperiplanar transition state model in the initial aldol-type reaction.