ChemInform Abstract: Mixed La-Li Heterobimetallic Complexes for Tertiary Nitroaldol Resolution

Full details of the kinetic resolution of tertiary nitroaldols derived from simple ketones are described. Mixed BINOL/biphenol La–Li heterobimetallic complexes gave the best selectivity in retro-nitroaldol reactions of racemic tertiary nitroaldols. Using a 2:1 mixture of La–Li3-(binaphthoxide 1a)3 complex (LLB) and La–Li3-(biphenoxide 1e)3 complex, chiral tertiary nitroaldols were obtained in 80–97% ee and 30–47% recovery yield. Transformations of products were also investigated.