Polystyrene-supported cu(II)-R-Box as recyclable catalyst in asymmetric Friedel–Crafts reaction

Abstract

The complex of copper(II) trifluoromethanesulfonate with chiral isopropyl bis(oxazoline) ligand (i-Pr-Box) was immobilized on accessible and inexpensive Merrifield resin according to a “click” procedure. The resulting catalyst showed high efficiency and recyclability in the asymmetric Friedel–Crafts alkylation of indole and its derivatives. The catalyst can be recycled five times without appreciable loss in activity and enantioselectivity.