In Situ Formation of a Heterobimetallic Chiral [(Salen)Ti^IV]/[(Salen)V^V] Catalyst for the Asymmetric Addition of TMSCN to Benzaldehyde

Abstract

A mixed complex which results from two salen-derived VV and TiIV complexes (1 and 2), catalyzes the trimethylsilylcyanation of aldehydes. The reaction kinetics are largely determined by the titanium-derived portion, whereas the configuration of the mandelonitrile trimethylsilyl ether products is determined by the slower vanadium part of the catalyst. salen=N,N'-bis(salicylaldehydo)ethylenediamine.