High Turnover Chiral Catalysts for Asymmetric Synthesis

The “chirality” of molecules often determines the effectiveness of reaction constituents in several chemical, biochemical and industrial prcesses. The search for efficient catalytic processes that synthesize chiral molecules with high selectivity, lo w energy requirements and minimal waste is an ever-continuing one. This invention describes a coordination polymer with a metallic (Rhodium) center for use as a catalyst in accelerated cyclopropanation reactions of styrene (and other olefins).

Rh odium based catalysts are combined with methyl benzoate to form a catalyst that brings about 1,000,000 catalytic cycles during cyclopropanation with a turnover frequency of 25,000 cycles per hour. These are the highest ever in this area. The values t herefore are:

a) Low cycle times b) High reaction rates c) General applicability

Employing this catalyst, racemic mixtures of cheap commercial bulk chemicals can easily, quickly and inexpensively be converted into valuable enantiomers. The c yclopropane molecular group occurs in commercial insecticides as well as many natural products of biological importance, and can be converted into other organic functional groups. The cyclopropanation of styrene reaction is widely employed in pharmac euticals, agrochemicals, insecticides, polymers, fertilizers, etc. to introduce asymmetry (chirality) in various types of products. This catalyst is therefore of considerable importance in all of these areas.

Categories: Materials & Chemicals



Patents Issues: 7,030,051

Type of Offer: Licensing



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