Preparation of novel axially chiral NHC–Pd(II) complexes and their application in oxidative kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols

Abstract

Abstract Novel axially chiral N ‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) Pd(II) complexes were prepared from optically active 1,1′‐binaphthalenyl‐2,2′‐diamine (BINAM) and H 8 ‐BINAM and their crystal structures were unambiguously determined by X‐ray diffraction. These chiral N ‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) Pd(II) complexes were applied in the oxidative kinetic resolution of secondary alcohols using molecular oxygen as a terminal oxidant or under aerobic conditions, affording the corresponding sec ‐alcohols in good yields with moderate to good enantioselectivities. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.