Synthesis of novel C2-symmetric ligands based on (R,R)- and (S,S)- diphenyl-1,3-propanediol

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0957-4166(99)00074-9

A range of novel C₂-symmetric dioxygen and dinitrogen ligands can readily be obtained through the interconversion of the parent 1,3-diphenyl- 1,3-propanediol enantiomers which are, in turn, accessed in good yields via a Sharpless asymmetric epoxidative resolution.

Full text of DOI:10.1016/S0957-4166(99)00074-9

Pergamon
Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 10 (1999) 991–1000
Synthesis of novel C2-symmetric ligands based on (R,R)- and
(S,S)-diphenyl-1,3-propanediol
Gregory H. P. Roos a,∗ and A. Richard Donovan b
aChemistry Department, College of Science, Sultan Qaboos University, Box 36, Al-Khod, Sultanate of Oman 123
bDepartment of Chemistry, Division of Science, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia 6150
Received 10 February 1999; accepted 2 March 1999
Abstract
A range of novel C2-symmetric dioxygen and dinitrogen ligands can readily be obtained through the intercon-
version of the parent 1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanediol enantiomers which are, in turn, accessed in good yields via a
Sharpless asymmetric epoxidative resolution. © 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
1. Introduction
C2-Symmetric diols have long been employed in a wide range of key asymmetric transformations and
generally operate through their modification of a variety of transition metals.1,2 Since the majority of
these ligands are derived from tartrate sources which can afford 1,2- and 1,4-diols, they lead to either 5-
or 7-membered rings when chelated with a metal.3,4 With few exceptions, there appears to be a significant
lack of bidentate ligands that form 6-membered rings when chelated to metals. Such diols have shown
promise as chiral derivatising agents and synthetic intermediates.5–8 We herein report ready access to the
enantiomerically pure enantiomeric (R,R)-(+)- and (S,S)-(−)-1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanediols and a range
of dinitrogen-containing C2-symmetric bidentate ligands derived therefrom.9
An initial literature search surprisingly revealed that little had been reported on provision of facile
entry to the parent diols. In fact, the absolute configuration of the (−)-enantiomer had only recently
been assigned as (S,S).10 This (S,S)-enantiomer was first prepared in low yield (20%) via asymmetric
hydrogenation of the diketone over a modified Raney nickel catalyst.11 Related preparations using
binap12 and bihemp10 complexes of ruthenium have appeared more recently. Aside from these small-
scale, moderate-yielding microbial (40%)13 and formal synthetic (49%)14 routes have been reported.
∗
Corresponding author.
0957-4166/99/$ - see front matter © 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.
PII: S0957-4166(99)00074-9

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2. Discussion and results
An initial route to the parent diols sought to exploit the success (up to 93% ee) reported by Julia and co-
workers in their asymmetric epoxidation of chalcone 1 under the influence of a poly-(S)-alanine catalyst
to give epoxyketone 2.15 There was literature support for further conversion through either the epoxy-
alcohol 3 (reduction16/hydride displacement17) or hydroxyketone 4 (hydride displacement18/reduction16)
to the (S,S)-diol 5 as outlined in Scheme 1. Subsequent oxidation of chalcone 1, both with commercial
catalyst and material prepared by us, afforded epoxyketone 2 with enantiomeric excess of only 67–78%.19
Scheme 1. Reagents and conditions: (i) poly-(S)-alanine, H2O2; (ii) ZnBH4; (iii) Red-Al®; (iv) Zn, NH4Cl
Given the unsatisfactory nature of the above result, we therefore pursued an alternative route
(Scheme 2) based on a Sharpless epoxidative kinetic resolution of hydroxyalkene 6, available in high
yield from commercial trans-chalcone 1 by borohydride reduction.20 Optimisation of the reaction time
to 3 h using standard Sharpless conditions (10 mol% of titanium isopropoxide, 12 mol% of L-(+)-DIPT
and 70 mol% of TBHP at −20°C) and work up, gave (−)-(S)-3-hydroxy-1,3-diphenylpropene 6 in 42%
yield (>99% ee) and (+)-(S,R,S)-epoxyalcohol 7 in 52% yield (89.6% ee).21 Enantiomerically pure 7
could be obtained by a single recrystallisation from ether–light petroleum. The enantiomerically enriched
(S)-hydroxyalkene was re-subjected to Sharpless conditions using D-(−)-DIPT to generate the alternative
(R,S,R)-enantiomer in 68% yield.
Scheme 2. Reagents and conditions: (i) L-(+)-DIPT, Ti(O-i-Pr)4, t-BuOOH, CH2Cl2, −20°C, 3 h; (ii) D-(−)-DIPT, Ti(O-i-Pr)4,
t-BuOOH, CH2Cl2, −20°C, 3 h; (iii) Red-Al®, DME, 16 h
Epoxides 7 are activated at the C3 position by the presence of the phenyl group, the benzylic nature
of this site making intermolecular C3 hydride attack more favourable than with non-activated substrates.
Employing a reverse addition of Red-Al® and suitably modified work up, both the (R,R)- and (S,S)-diols
5 could be synthesised from the appropriate epoxide in 89% and 92% yield respectively.22 There was no
evidence of the alternative 1,2-diol (from C2 hydride attack) or any of the stereoisomers of the 1,3-diol,

G. H. P. Roos, A. R. Donovan / Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 10 (1999) 991–1000
993
thus giving an overall combined yield of the diols 5 of 73% from the single chalcone-starting material.
Enantiomeric and chemical purity were confirmed by both chiral HPLC and NMR (using the Eu[hfc]3
shift reagent). As a final confirmation of the stereochemistry, crystal structures of both the (R,R)- and
(S,S)-diols 5 have been obtained.23
In addition to the C2-symmetric diols, we felt that the corresponding parent diamines 10 represented
valuable synthetic targets and should be accessible via suitable stereocontolled displacement (Scheme 3;
for convenience only one enantiomer is depicted). Activation of the diol (R,R)-5 as the bismesylate 8
followed by displacement with sodium azide gave the diazide (S,S)-9 and subsequent LiAlH4 reduction
provided the free amine (S,S)-10 in excellent overall yield. The enantiomeric (R,R)-10 was isolated in
similar yield from the diol (S,S)-5.
Scheme 3. Reagents and conditions: (i) NEt3, MsCl, 0°C, 14 h; (ii) NaN3, DMF, 14 h, 91% for 2 steps; (iii) LAH, THF, 0°C 1
h, rt 3 h, 70%
To further extend the potential utility of the parent diphenyl diamines 10, these compounds were
converted to a variety of potentially more useful derivatives (Scheme 4). Since racemisation did not
present any problem, these transformations were performed on the racemic diamine, readily available
from the racemic diol 5.24 This diamine was subsequently converted into the tosyl 11, benzyl 12, and
trifluoroacetate 13 derivatives in good yields using standard conditions.
Scheme 4. Reagents and conditions: (i) TsCl, NEt3, THF, 0°C, 66%; (ii) (a) PhCHO, MeOH, (b) NaBH4, toluene, 75% over 2
steps; (iii) TFA, pyridine, CH2Cl2, 0°C, 74%
In order to prepare the benzyl derivative 12 above, we had found it necessary to effect alkylation
via a condensation/reduction sequence. This was prompted by our earlier observations that when, in
attempts to gain direct access to substituted diamines, the racemic mesylate 8 was treated with a number
of primary amines (benzylamine and ethylamine) and secondary amines (diethylamine and piperidine)
(Scheme 5), in the former case C2-symmetric azetidines 14, 15 were formed, while in the latter case
only the meso diamines 16, 17 were produced. Evidence for the formation of the latter meso products
1
was the presence of a geminal coupling constant in the H NMR spectra for the methylene group
(13.6 and 13.8 Hz, respectively). In both instances a pathway involving an initial substitution followed
by intramolecular attack to generate the 4-membered heterocycle seems most likely. Subsequent ring
opening of the azetidinium species with accompanying inversion then leads to the meso diamines 16, 17.

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G. H. P. Roos, A. R. Donovan / Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 10 (1999) 991–1000
Scheme 5. Reagents and conditions: (i) H2NEt, 16 h, 80%; (ii) H2NBn, DMF, 16 h, 63%; (iii) HNEt2, 16 h, 81%; (iv) piperidine,
DMF, 16 h, 85%
In conclusion, we have reported a high-yielding access to the enantiomerically pure C2-symmetric
1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanediol and 1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanediamine enantiomers and several derivatives
thereof. These species represent compounds which have potential as ligands in further asymmetric
transformations, and are the subject of current studies in our laboratory.
3. Experimental
1H and 13C NMR spectra were recorded on a Bruker Avance DPX-300 at 300 and 75.5 MHz,
respectively, in CDCl3 at ambient temperature with tetramethylsilane (TMS) as internal standard. Mass
spectra were recorded on a Perkin–Elmer ITD Ion Trap Detector spectrometer in the electron impact
mode at an emission current of 55 µA and an electron multiplier voltage of 2000 V. High resolution
mass spectra (HRMS) were measured on a VG Autospec Mass Spectrometer. High pressure liquid
chromatography (HPLC) was performed on a GBC LC 1150 using either a standard phase Alltech
Econosil C18 column or a Chiracell OD column for determination of enantiomeric excess. The detector
used was either a Polymer Laboratories PL-EMD 950 evaporative mass detector or a Knauer variable
wavelength monitor set at 254 nm. IR spectra were recorded on a Perkin–Elmer 1720-X Fourier
Transform Spectrometer. Melting points were determined on an Electrothermal melting point apparatus
and are uncorrected. Optical rotations were recorded at 20°C using an Optical Activity PolAAr 2001
polarimeter. Column chromatography refers to columns prepared as slurries of Merck silica gel 60
(70–230 mesh) in the eluent. Pre-adsorption was carried out on Merck silica gel 60 (35–70 mesh). Radial
chromatography was performed using Merck silica gel 60 PF254, while thin-layer chromatography was
carried out on aluminium plates coated with Merck Kieselgel 60 F254. 3-Hydroxy-1,3-diphenylpropene
6 was prepared in essentially quantitative yield according to the reported method.20
3.1. (−)-(S)-3-Hydroxy-1,3-diphenylpropene 6 and (+)-(S,R,S)-1-hydroxy-2,3-epoxy-1,3-diphenylpro-
pane 7
Following the method of Sharpless and co-workers, L-(+)-DIPT (0.669 g, 2.86 mmol) was added to
a 3-necked round bottom flask containing dichloromethane (230 ml) at room temperature.20 Racemic
hydroxyalkene 6 (5.00 g, 23.8 mmol) and activated powdered 3 Å molecular sieves (2.50 g) were added
and the reaction mixture cooled to −20°C before the addition of titanium(IV) isopropoxide (0.71 ml,
2.38 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature for 0.5 h before the introduction of a
pre-dried solution of t-butyl hydroperoxide in nonane (6.19 M, 2.69 ml). The reaction was stirred at this
temperature for 3 h and then ether (23 ml) and 30% sodium hydroxide in saturated brine (1.9 ml) were
added. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to 10°C, stirred for a further 10 min and then treated
with MgSO4 (1.9 g) and Celite (0.24 g). After a final 15 min of stirring, the reaction mixture was filtered
through a Celite pad before reduction in vacuo yielded a bright yellow oil. The crude products were
separated by column chromatography (5% ethyl acetate–light petroleum eluent) to furnish, firstly, (−)-

G. H. P. Roos, A. R. Donovan / Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 10 (1999) 991–1000
995
(S)-3-hydroxy-1,3-diphenylpropene 6 (2.09 g, 9.95 mmol 41.8%, >99% ee determined by HPLC using
a Chiralcel OD column with 5% 2-propanol–light petroleum as the eluent) which was recrystallised
from ether–light petroleum as fine white needles, mp 46–47.5°C. [α]D −32.1 (c 0.5, CHCl3, >99% ee);
lit.25 [α]D −24.8 (c 2.5, CHCl3, 71% ee). This was followed by the (+)-(S,R,S)-epoxide 7 (2.79 g, 12.34
mmol, 51.9%, 89.6% ee determined by 1H NMR analysis with Eu[hfc]3) which was recrystallised from
ether–light petroleum as fine white granules, mp 81.5–83°C; lit.15b (rac.) 69–70°C. [α]D +16.3 (c 0.5,
CHCl3, >99% ee); lit.15b [α]D −8.7 (CH2Cl2, 90% ee).26 1H NMR δ 2.97 (1H, s, OH), 3.24 (1H, dd,
J=3.0 and 2.3 Hz, HCCOH), 4.10 (1H, d, J=2.3 Hz, PhCH), 4.91 (1H, d, J=2.9 Hz, PhCHOH) and
7.15–7.47 (10H, m, Ph).
3.2. (+)-(R,R)-1,3-Diphenyl-1,3-propanediol 5
The (S,R,S)-epoxide (1.0 g, 4.42 mmol) in dry DME (20 ml) was cooled to 0°C with stirring under a
nitrogen atmosphere. Red-Al® (65%, 2.84 ml, 8.85 mmol) was added slowly dropwise and the reaction
mixture allowed to rise to room temperature and stirred overnight. The mixture was diluted with ether (30
ml) and an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide (5%, 0.7 ml) was added. Stirring continued for 20 min,
before drying with MgSO4, filtration and reduction in vacuo yielded the crude product (R,R)-5 (0.902 g,
3.96 mmol, 89.4%) which was recrystallised from chloroform as white needles, mp 151.5–153°C; lit.14
146.5–147.5°C. [α]D +67.5 (c 0.3, EtOH); [α]D +56.3 (c 0.2, CHCl3); lit.14 [α]D +52 (c 0.5 CHCl3);
1H NMR δ 2.17 (2H, t, J=5.8 Hz, CH2), 2.88 (2H, d, J=4.1 Hz, OH), 4.96 (2H, dt, J=5.5 and 4.5 Hz,
PhCHOH) and 7.16–7.40 (10H, m, Ph); 13C NMR δ 37.6 (CH2), 71.7 (CH), 125.6, 125.9, 127.5 and
128.5 (C2–6) and 144.1 (C1).
3.3. (−)-(R,S,R)-1-Hydroxy-2,3-epoxy-1,3-diphenylpropane 7
D-(−)-DIPT (559 mg, 1.99 mmol) was added to a 3-necked round bottom flask containing dry
dichloromethane (200 ml) under a nitrogen atmosphere. (S)-3-Hydroxy-1,3-diphenylpropene (2.09 g,
9.95 mmol) and activated powdered 3 Å molecular sieves (2.50 g) were added and the reaction mixture
cooled to −20°C before the addition of titanium(IV) isopropoxide (0.59 ml, 1.98 mmol). The reaction
mixture was stirred at this temperature for 0.5 h before the introduction of a pre-dried solution of t-
butyl hydroperoxide in nonane (6.19 M, 2.25 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature
overnight and then ether (20 ml) and 30% sodium hydroxide in saturated brine (1.9 ml) added. The
reaction mixture was allowed to warm to 10°C and stirred for a further 10 min before the addition
of MgSO4 (1.9 g) and Celite (0.24 g). After a final 15 min of stirring, the reaction mixture was filtered
through a Celite pad before reduction in vacuo yielded a bright yellow oil. The crude product was purified
by column chromatography (20% ethyl acetate–light petroleum eluent) to furnish product 7 (1.53 g, 6.77
mmol, 68.0%) which was recrystallised from ether–light petroleum as fine white needles, mp 81–82°C.
[α]D −16.7 (c 0.6, CHCl3). Spectral data were identical to those of the (S,R,S)-enantiomer.
3.4. (S,S)-1,3-Diphenyl-1,3-propanediol 5
Using the (R,S,R)-epoxide 7 (1.0 g, 4.42 mmol) and the method described above for (R,R)-5 afforded
(S,S)-5 (0.922 g, 4.04 mmol, 91.5%), which was recrystallised from chloroform as white needles, mp
149.5–151.5°C; lit.27 145–147°C; [α]D −67.5 (c 0.3, EtOH); lit.27 [α]D −72.7 (c 10, EtOH); [α]D −56.5
(c 0.2, CHCl3); lit.28 [α]D −55.2 (CHCl3). Spectral data were identical to those of the (R,R)-enantiomer.

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3.5. (ꢀ)-1,3-Diphenyl-1,3-propanediazide 9
The racemic diol 5 (0.150 g, 0.664 mmol) and triethylamine (0.205 g, 2.03 mmol) were stirred in THF
(5 ml) at 0°C and methanesulfonyl chloride (0.102 ml, 1.33 mmol) was added dropwise via syringe. The
reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature overnight. Precipitated triethylamine hydrochloride was
filtered off and the filtrate washed with further portions (3×2 ml) of THF. The THF was removed in
vacuo at 0°C and DMF (2 ml) and sodium azide (0.135 g, 2.08 mmol) added. The reaction mixture was
stirred at room temperature overnight and the DMF removed in vacuo. Ether (25 ml) and water (25 ml)
were added and the partitioned water layer washed with a further portion of ether (25 ml). The combined
organic fractions were washed with brine (20 ml), dried (MgSO4), and the solvents removed in vacuo to
reveal product 9 (153 mg, 0.550 mmol, 82.9%) which was recrystallised from ether–light petroleum as
fine white needles, mp 58–59°C; IR νmax 3082 (CH Ar), 3029 (CH Ar), 2956 and 2924 (CH), 2107 (N3)
and 1496 and 1452 (C_C Ar); 1H NMR δ 2.07 (2H, t, J=7.2 Hz, CH2), 4.68 (2H, t, J=7.2 Hz, CH) and
7.27–7.44 (10H, m, Ph); 13C NMR δ 43.5 (CH2), 63.4 (CH), 127.3 (C3 and 5), 129.0 (c 4), 129.4 (C2
and 6) and 139.3 (C1); MS m/z 250 (M+−N2, 3%), 206 (37), 118 (40), 104 (37) and 91 (100). Anal. calcd
for C15H14N6: C, 64.7; H, 5.1; N, 30.2. Found: C, 64.6; H, 5.2; N, 30.0.
3.6. (−)-(S,S)-1,3-Diphenyl-1,3-propanediazide 9
Using the (R,R)-diol 5 and the above method, the (S,S)-diazide was obtained in 90.7% yield and
recrystallised from ether–light petroleum as fine white needles, mp 77–78.5°C. [α]D −205.6 (c 0.1,
CHCl3). Spectral data were identical to those of the racemate.
3.7. (+)-(R,R)-1,3-Diphenyl-1,3-propanediazide 9
Using the (S,S)-diol 5 and the above method, the (R,R)-diazide was obtained in 94.0% yield and
recrystallised from ether–light petroleum as fine white needles, mp 77.5–79°C. [α]D +203.7 (c 0.15,
CHCl3). Spectral data were identical to those of the racemate.
3.8. (ꢀ)-1,3-Diphenyl-1,3-propanediamine 10
The racemic diazide 9 (0.106 g, 0.381 mmol) was dissolved in THF (5 ml) at 0°C with stirring. LiAlH4
(0.028 g, 0.762 mmol) was added portionwise and the mixture stirred at this temperature for 1 h and for 3
h at room temperature. Moist ether was added and the reaction mixture stirred for a further 5 min before
addition of MgSO4. Filtration and removal of the solvents in vacuo revealed product 10 as a clear oil
(0.083 g, 0.367 mmol, 96.3%).24 1H NMR δ 1.74 (4H, broad s, NH2), 2.01 (2H, t, J=6.9 Hz, CH2), 3.91
(2H, t, J=6.8 Hz, CH) and 7.20–7.39 (10H, m, Ph); 13C NMR δ 50.2 (CH2), 55.2 (CH), 128.0 (C3 and
5), 128.7 (C4), 130.2 (C2 and 6) and 148.1 (C1).
3.9. (−)-(R,R)-1,3-Diphenyl-1,3-propanediamine 10
Using the (R,R)-diazide 9 (0.305 g, 1.11 mmol) and the above method the (R,R)-diamine was obtained
in 70.4% yield and recrystallised from chloroform as a gummy solid which hardened to white granules
on standing, mp 70–73°C. [α]D −24.5 (c 0.1, EtOH:H2O [1:1]). Spectral data were identical to those of
the racemate.

G. H. P. Roos, A. R. Donovan / Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 10 (1999) 991–1000
997
3.10. (+)-(S,S)-1,3-Diphenyl-1,3-propanediamine 10
Using the (S,S)-diazide 9 (0.298 g, 1.08 mmol) and the above method the (S,S)-diamine was obtained
in 70.5% yield and recrystallised from chloroform as a gummy solid which hardened to white granules
on standing, mp 69–73°C. [α]D +24.8 (c 0.1, EtOH:H2O [1:1]), lit.29 [α]D +16.5 (c 1.97, CHCl3, 96%
ee). Spectral data was identical to those of the racemate.
3.11. (ꢀ)-N,N0-Ditoluenesulfonyl-1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanediamine 11
The racemic diamine 10 (0.060 g, 0.268 mmol), triethylamine (0.081 g, 0.804 mmol) and tosyl
chloride (0.153 g, 0.804 mmol) were stirred in THF (5 ml) at 0°C overnight. Precipitated triethylamine
hydrochloride was filtered off and the filtrate washed with further portions (3×2 ml) of THF. The THF
was removed in vacuo and the residue chromatographed (25% ethyl acetate–light petroleum eluent) to
give product 11 (0.095 g, 0.178 mmol, 66.4%) which was recrystallised from chloroform–light petroleum
as white granules, mp 188–190°C; IR νmax 3297 (NH), 3063 and 3030 (CH Ar), 2920 and 2859 (CH),
1597, 1493 and 1452 (C_C Ar) and 1160 (S_O); 1H NMR δ 2.34 (6H, s, CH3), 2.41 (2H, t, J=7.4 Hz,
CH2), 3.96 (2H, dt, J=7.2 and 7.1 Hz, CH), 5.15 (2H, d, J=7.0 Hz, NH), 6.84 (4H, dd, J=7.5 and 1.1 Hz,
Ph), 7.05 (4H, d, J=8.2 Hz, C3 and 5 Ts), 7.11–7.24 (8H, m, Ph) and 7.39 (4H, d, J=8.3 Hz, C2 and 6
Ts); 13C NMR δ 21.5 (CH3), 43.3 (CH2), 55.4 (CH), 127.0, 127.1, 128.0, 128.7 and 129.3 (C2–6 Ph and
C2, 3, 5 and 6 Ts) 137.1 (C4 Ts), 138.8 (C1 Ph) and 143.1 (C1 Ts); HRMS C29H30N2O4S2 calcd M++1
535.1725; Found 537.1705. Anal. calcd for C29H30N2O2S2: C, 65.1; H, 5.7; N, 5.2. Found: C, 64.8; H,
5.6; N, 5.2.
3.12. (ꢀ)-N,N0-Dibenzyl-1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanediamine 12
Following the method of Denmark29 the racemic diamine 10 (0.083 g, 0.371 mmol) and benzaldehyde
(0.094 ml, 0.928 mmol) were dissolved in dry methanol (5 ml) and the reaction mixture refluxed for
3 h.30 After cooling and addition of dry toluene (5 ml), NaBH4 (50.0 mg, 1.85 mmol) was added in
portions over 20 min. Stirring was continued for 1.5 h and the solvents removed at reduced pressure,
water (20 ml) and ethyl acetate (20 ml) were added and the organic layer removed, washed with brine,
dried (MgSO4), and the solvents removed in vacuo. The residue was purified by chromatography (20%
ethyl acetate–light petroleum eluent) to reveal product 12 (0.114 g, 0.281 mmol, 75.6%) as a clear oil;
1H NMR δ 2.06 (2H, t, J=6.6 Hz, CH2), 2.36 (2H, broad s, NH), 3.47 (4H, ABq, J=13.0 Hz, CH2Ph),
3.64 (2H, t, J=6.6 Hz, CH) and 7.12–7.34 (20H, m, Ph); 13C NMR δ 45.5 (CH2), 51.1 (CH2Ph), 64.7
(CH), 126.7, 127.0, 127.9, 128.0, 128.2 and 128.2 (C2–6) and 140.0 and 143.2 (C1).
3.13. (ꢀ)-N,N0-Bis(trifluoroacetyl)-1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanediamine 13
The racemic diamine 10 (0.085 g, 0.379 mmol) and pyridine (0.072 g, 0.911 mmol) were stirred in
dichloromethane (10 ml) at 0°C TFA (0.129 ml, 0.911 mmol) was added dropwise via syringe and the
reaction mixture stirred for 3 h. Further dichloromethane (30 ml) and HCl (1 M, 20 ml) were added, the
organic layer separated, washed with saturated bicarbonate solution (15 ml), water (15 ml) and brine (15
ml), then dried (MgSO4) and the solvents removed in vacuo. The oily residue was purified by column
chromatography (15–30% ethyl acetate–light petroleum gradient eluent) to yield product 13 (0.117 g,
0.280 mmol, 73.8%) which was recrystallised from chloroform–light petroleum as fine white needles,
mp 204–205°C; IR νmax 3710 (NH), 3090 (CH Ar), 2926 (CH), 1692 (C_O), 1548 and 1497 (C_C Ar)

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G. H. P. Roos, A. R. Donovan / Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 10 (1999) 991–1000
and 1189 (CF); 1H NMR δ 2.68 (2H, t, J=7.4 Hz, CH2), 4.73 (2H, dt, J=7.4 and 7.3 Hz, CH), 6.49 (2H,
d, J=6.5 Hz, NH), 7.22–7.28 (4H, m, Ph) and 7.36–7.46 (6H, m, Ph); 13C NMR δ 38.7 (CH2), 52.4 (CH),
115.6 (q, J=288.2 Hz, CF3), 127.1 (C3 and 5), 129.2 (C4), 129.5 (C2 and 6), 137.4 (C1) and 156.4 (q,
J=37.3 Hz, C_O); MS m/z 418 (M+, 5%), 305 (19), 202 (49), 193 (93), 104 (73) and 69 (100); HRMS
calcd for C19H16N2O2F6: 418.1116. Found: 418.1106. Anal. calcd for C19H16N2O2F6: C, 54.5; H, 3.9;
N, 6.7. Found: C, 54.4; H, 4.1; N, 6.7.
3.14. (ꢀ)-N-Benzyl-2,4-diphenylazetidine 14
The racemic diol 5 (0.150 g, 0.664 mmol) and triethylamine (0.205 g, 2.03 mmol) were stirred in THF
(5 ml) at 0°C and methanesulfonyl chloride (0.102 ml, 1.33 mmol) was added dropwise via syringe.
The reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature overnight. Precipitated triethylamine hydrochloride
was filtered off and the filtrate washed with further portions (3×2 ml) of THF. The THF was removed
in vacuo at 0°C and DMF (2 ml) and benzylamine (0.335 g, 3.32 mmol) added. The reaction mixture
was stirred at room temperature overnight, the DMF removed in vacuo and then ether (25 ml) and water
(25 ml) added. The water layer was washed with a further portion of ether (25 ml), the organic fractions
combined, washed with brine (20 ml), dried (MgSO4) and the solvents removed in vacuo. The crude
product was purified by column chromatography (20% ethyl acetate–light petroleum eluent) to give 14
(0.125 g, 0.417 mmol, 62.9%) which was recrystallised from ether–light petroleum as white cubes, mp
69–70.5°C; IR νmax 3081 (CH Ar), 3028 (CH Ar), 2905 and 2851 (CH), and 1599, 1491 and 1451 (C_C
1
Ar); H NMR δ 2.67 (2H, t, J=6.8 Hz, CH2), 2.38 (2H, ABq, J=14.0 Hz, CH2Ph), 4.76 (2H, t, J=6.8
Hz, CH) and 7.00–7.43 (15H, m, Ph); 13C NMR δ 35.1 (CH2), 54.5 (CH2Ph), 65.6 (CH), 126.9, 127.9,
128.3, 128.5, 128.7 and 129.0 (C2–6), 139.8 (C1 Bn) and 142.3 (C1); MS m/z 299 (M+, 4%), 194 (17),
104 (15), 103 (11), 92 (12) and 91 (100). HRMS calcd for C22H21N: M++1 300.1752. Found: 300.1748.
Anal. calcd for C22H21N: C, 88.2; H, 7.1; N, 4.7. Found: C, 88.0; H, 7.1; N, 4.7.
3.15. (ꢀ)-N-Ethyl-2,4-diphenylazetidine 15
The racemic diol 5 (0.150 g, 0.664 mmol) and triethylamine (0.205 g, 2.03 mmol) were stirred in
THF (5 ml) at 0°C and methanesulfonyl chloride (0.102 ml, 1.33 mmol) added dropwise via syringe.
The reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature overnight. Precipitated triethylamine hydrochloride
was filtered off and the filtrate washed with further portions (3×2 ml) of THF. The THF was removed in
vacuo at 0°C and replaced with ethylamine (5 ml). The reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature
overnight and the ethylamine removed in vacuo before ether (25 ml) and water (25 ml) were added. The
water layer was washed with a further portion of ether (25 ml), the organic fractions combined, washed
with brine (20 ml), dried (MgSO4) and the solvents removed in vacuo. The product 15 was isolated by
column chromatography (20% ethyl acetate–light petroleum eluent) as a clear oil (0.126 g, 0.530 mmol,
1
79.8%); IR νmax 3082 (CH Ar), 2965, 2893 and 2815 (CH), and 1602 and 1492 (C_C Ar); H NMR
δ 0.59 (3H, t, J=7.2 Hz, CH3), 2.05–2.24 (2H, m, CH2CH3), 2.56 (2H, t, J=6.9 Hz, CH2), 4.62 (2H, t,
J=6.9 Hz, CH), 7.15–7.22 (2H, m, Ph), 7.24–7.33 (4H, m, Ph) and 7.38–7.45 (4H, m, Ph); 13C NMR δ
13.8 (CH3), 34.8 (CH2CH3), 45.9 (CH2), 65.9 (CH), 127.8 (C4), 128.3 (C3 and 5), 128.7 (C2 and 6) and
142.9 (C1); MS m/z 237 (M+, 8%), 132 (34), 118 (32), 104 (75), 103 (29), 152 (100) and 77 (31). HRMS
calcd for C17H19N: M++1 238.1596. Found: 238.1595.

G. H. P. Roos, A. R. Donovan / Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 10 (1999) 991–1000
999
3.16. N,N0-Bis(diethyl)-1,3-diphenyl-1,3-propanediamine 16
The racemic diol 5 (0.150 g, 0.664 mmol) and triethylamine (0.205 g, 2.03 mmol) were stirred in THF
(5 ml) at 0°C and methanesulfonyl chloride (0.102 ml, 1.33 mmol) was added dropwise via syringe. The
reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature overnight. Precipitated triethylamine hydrochloride was
filtered off and the filtrate washed with further portions of THF (3×2 ml). The THF was removed in
vacuo at 0°C, replaced with diethylamine (5 ml) and the reaction mixture stirred at room temperature
overnight. The diethylamine was removed in vacuo and ether (25 ml) and water (25 ml) added, the water
layer was washed with a further portion of ether (25 ml), the organic fractions combined, washed with
brine (20 ml), dried (MgSO4) and the solvents removed in vacuo. The product 16 was isolated by column
chromatography (20% ethyl acetate–light petroleum eluent) as a clear oil (0.182 g, 0.538 mmol, 81.1%);
IR νmax 3061 (CH Ar), 2956, 2924 and 2853 (CH), and 1601 and 1496 (C_C Ar); 1H NMR δ 0.57 (6H,
t, J=7.1 Hz, CH3), 2.03–2.19 (2H, m, CH2CH3), 2.50 (2H, ddd, J=13.8, 7.5 and 7.5 Hz, CH2), 2.59–2.71
(2H, m, CH2CH3), 3.84 (2H, dd, J=7.5 and 7.5 Hz, CH) and 7.14–732 (10H, m, Ph); 13C NMR δ 14.2
(CH3), 34.8 (CH2CH3), 43.7 (CH2), 60.4 (CH), 127.1 (C4), 128.1 (C3 and 5), 129.4 (C2 and 6) and 140.2
(C1); MS m/z 339 (M++1, 7%), 338 (2), 265 (35), 264 (56), 174 (58), 162 (100), 132 (32) and 105 (32).
Anal. calcd for C23H34N2: C, 81.6; H, 10.1; N, 8.3. Found: C, 81.6; H, 10.2; N, 8.0.
3.17. 1,3-Diphenyl-1,3-dipiperidylpropane 17
The racemic diol 5 (0.100 g, 0.469 mmol) and triethylamine (0.145 g, 1.43 mmol) were stirred
in dichloromethane (70 ml) at 0°C and methanesulfonyl chloride (0.073 ml, 0.938 mmol) was added
dropwise via syringe. The reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature overnight and then ice-
water (25 ml) was added and the organic layer separated. The aqueous portion was extracted with cold
dichloromethane (20 ml), and the organic fractions combined, washed with brine (25 ml) at 0°C, dried
over MgSO4 and reduced in vacuo at 0°C. DMF (0.5 ml) and piperidine (0.199 g, 2.34 mmol) were
added, and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature overnight. The DMF was removed in
vacuo and then ether (25 ml), saturated bicarbonate solution (10 ml) and water (15 ml) were added, then
the water layer was separated and washed with a further portion of ether (25 ml). The organic fractions
were combined, washed with brine (20 ml), dried (MgSO4) and the solvents removed in vacuo. The
product 17 was isolated by column chromatography (20% ethyl acetate–light petroleum eluent) as a pale
yellow oil (0.144 g, 0.396 mmol, 84.6%); IR νmax 3082 (CH Ar), 3026 (CH Ar), 2930 and 2851 (CH)
1
and 1491 and 1466 (C_C Ar); H NMR δ 1.14–1.31 (4H, m, C4 pip.), 1.33–1.57 (8H, m, C3 and 5
pip.), 1.89 (1H, ddd, J=13.6, 7.6 and 7.6 Hz, CH2), 2.01–2.18 (4H, m, C2 and 6 pip.), 2.25–2.43 (4H, m,
C2 and 6 pip.), 2.60 (1H, ddd, J=13.5, 7.7 and 7.6 Hz, CH2), 3.38 (2H, dd, J=7.6 and 7.6 Hz, CH) and
7.01–7.24 (10H, m, Ph); 13C NMR δ 25.2 (C4 pip.), 26.9 (C3 and 5 pip.), 34.6 (CH2), 51.3 (C2 and 6
pip.), 67.3 (CH), 127.1 (C4), 128.0 (C3 and 5), 129.4 (C2 and 6) and 139.6 (C1); MS m/z 363 (M++1,
4%), 277 (13), 186 (100), 174 (26), 104 (32) and 91 (39). HRMS calcd for C25H34N2: M++1 363.2800.
Found: 363.2802.
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the ARC for financial support (an APA for ARD and Grant 0320198155 for GHPR).

1000
G. H. P. Roos, A. R. Donovan / Tetrahedron: Asymmetry 10 (1999) 991–1000
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