Iron-Catalyzed Asymmetric Aerobic Oxidation: Oxidative Coupling of 2-Naphthols

Abstract

Fe(salan) complexes were found to be efficient catalysts for the asymmetric aerobic oxidative coupling of 2-naphthol derivatives. This reaction can be carried out in air at 60 degrees C with high enantioselectivity up to 97% ee. This is the first report for asymmetric aerobic oxidation using molecular oxygen in air in the absence of additives.