Resolution and Novel Reactions of 4-Hydroxy[2.2]paracyclophane

Enantiopure planar chiral [2.2]paracyclophanes: Synthesis and applications in asymmetric organocatalysis

This short review focuses on enantiopure planar chiral [2.2]paracyclophanes (pCps), a fascinating class of molecules that possess an unusual three-dimensional core and intriguing physicochemical properties. In the first part of the review, different synthetic strategies for preparing optically active pCps are described. Although classical resolution methods based on the synthesis and separation of diastereoisomeric products still dominate the field, recent advances involving the kinetic resolution of racemic compounds and the desymmetrization of meso derivatives open up new possibilities to access enantiopure key intermediates on synthetically useful scales. Due to their advantageous properties including high configurational and chemical stability, [2.2]paracyclophanes are increasingly employed in various research fields, ranging from stereoselective synthesis to material sciences. The applications of [2.2]paracyclophanes in asymmetric organocatalysis are described in the second part of the review. While historically enantiopure pCps have been mainly employed by organic chemists as chiral ligands in transition-metal catalysis, these compounds can also be used as efficient catalysts in metal-free reactions and may inspire the development of new transformations in the near future.

Chiral isothiourea-catalyzed kinetic resolution of 4-hydroxy[2.2]paracyclophane

We herein report a method for the kinetic resolution of racemic 4-hydroxy[2.2]paracyclophane by means of a chiral isothiourea-catalyzed acylation with isobutyric anhydride. This protocol allows for a reasonable synthetically useful s-factor of 20 and provides a novel entry to obtain this interesting planar chiral motive in an enantioenriched manner.

The synthesis of substituted amino[2.2]paracyclophanes

Amino[2.2]paracyclophanes can be prepared by direct amination of bromo[2.2]paracyclophanes or more generally by a formylation–oxime formation–oxidation–Lossen-like rearrangement sequence.

Novel multichiral diols and diamines by highly stereoselective pinacol coupling of planar chiral [2.2]paracyclophane derivatives

The TiCl4/Zn-mediated intermolecular pinacol coupling of the planar chiral carbonyl compounds [2.2]paracyclophane-4-carbaldehyde, 4-acetyl[2.2]paracyclophane (ketone) and the four regioisomeric 5-, 7-, 12- and 13-methoxy[2.2]paracyclophane-4-carbaldehydes as well as the pTosOH-Zn/Cu-promoted coupling of their N-substituted imines is described. Coupling of the enantiomerically pure substrates (most of carbonyl compounds and all imines) occurs stereoselectively giving rise to diastereomerically pure 1,2-diols and 1,2-diamines. Racemic aldehydes and ketone react with different degrees of stereoselectivity (depending on the substituents in certain positions) and produce one to three diastereomers. 7-methoxy[2.2]paracyclophane-4-carbaldehyde undergoes a tandem pinacol coupling-pinacol rearrangement to yield bis-(7-methoxy[2.2]paracyclophane-4-yl)acetaldehyde. Coupling of the racemic imines produces a mixture of single racemic D,L-diamine and single meso-diamine in each case. The stereoselective formation of the asymmetric centres is governed by the planar chiral [2.2]paracyclophanyl moiety. The techniques elaborated are extended to the intramolecular coupling of [2.2]paracyclophane-4,13-dicarbaldehyde and its bis-N-phenylimine, resulting in stereoselective formation of the chiral triply-bridged diol and exclusive formation of the meso-diamine. X-Ray investigations of several diols and diamines have been carried out and the structural features of these derivatives are discussed.

The synthesis of enantiomerically pure 4-substituted [2.2]paracyclophane derivatives by sulfoxide-metal exchange

A general strategy for the synthesis of enantiomerically pure 4-substituted [2.2]paracyclophanes from a common sulfoxide precursor is described.

Achiral molecules in non-centrosymmetric space groups

A database survey of molecules with and without a chiral centre indicates molecular flexibility plays a role in space group choice.

Design, classification, and strategies of synthesis of modular bidentate ligands based on aryl[2.2]paracyclophane backbone

The aryl[2.2]paracyclophane backbone, which is a "hybrid" of a configurationally rigid [2.2]paracyclophanyl unit and a biphenyl unit, is proposed as a new source for the chiral ligands. Classification of such ligands in accordance with mutual arrangement of the functional substituents and their nature is also introduced. Key strategic approaches to the synthesis of regioisomeric biphenols and hydroxyaldehydes, including Suzuki cross-coupling reaction, lithiation/electrophilic quench, and chiral resolution, are elaborated. Examples of their further modification and application of several O,O- and N,O-ligands as chiral inductors in asymmetric catalysis are described.