Resolution of allylic alcohols via Copper(I) complexes with a chiral diamine

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(94)88192-8

By using the Corey diamine 1,2-diphenyl-N,N'-bis[(2,4,6- trimethylphenyl)methyl]-1,2-diaminoethane, Copper(I) olefin complexes are prepared. When the olefin is a racemic allylic alcohol, selective coordination of one enantiomer is observed. Cleavage with aqueous HCl or NaCN allows a two-steps resolution affording excellent enantiomeric excess.