Asymmetric synthesis of 2-aryl substituted oxetanes by enantioselective reduction of β-halogenoketones using lithium borohydride modified with N,N′-dibenzoylcystine

Abstract

Optically active 2-aryl substituted oxetanes are synthesised in high enantiomeric excesses (up to 89% e.e.)via enantioselective reduction of β-halogenoketones with lithium borohydride using (R,R′)-N,N′-dibenzoylcystine and t-butyl alcohol as ligands.