Asymmetric oxidation catalysis by a chiral Al(salalen) complex: Highly enantioselective oxidation of sulfides with aqueous hydrogen peroxide

Abstract

(Chemical Equation Presented) Not afraid to get wet: Aluminum(salalen) complexes were found to be water compatible and therefore suitable catalysts for asymmetric oxidation with aqueous hydrogen peroxide. A variety of sulfides underwent the title reaction in the presence of the aluminum(salalen) complex shown to the give the desired sulfoxides with high to excellent enantioselectivity (see scheme; Bn = benzyl). © 2007 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH &. Co. KGaA.