Bis‐Terminal Hydroxy Polyethers as All‐Purpose, Multifunctional Organic Promoters: A Mechanistic Investigation and Applications

Abstract

Achiral polyether derivatives have been shown to dramatically accelerate SN2 reactions by the simultaneous activation of both the nucleophile (KF) and electrophile (sulfonate; see picture). By using chiral variants as catalysts, the desilylative kinetic resolution of the silyl ethers of racemic secondary alcohols has been achieved. Density functional calculations provide detailed insight into the modes of action of this type of organic promoter.