10.1134/S1070428013060080
The research investigates the use of chiral Schiff bases as catalysts in the asymmetric Henry reaction. The purpose is to develop efficient catalysts for the addition of nitroalkanes to aldehydes, aiming to achieve high enantiomeric excess (ee) and yields. The study synthesizes four chiral Schiff bases (Ia–Id) from chiral amino alcohols (IIa–IId) and 2-hydroxynaphthalene-1-carbaldehyde. These Schiff bases are then used to catalyze the reaction of nitroalkanes with aldehydes under ambient conditions. The optimal conditions identified include using Schiff base Id and Cu(OAc)2·2H2O as catalysts, butan-1-ol as solvent, and an excess of nitromethane. Under these conditions, various aldehydes were tested, yielding products with moderate to good yields and high ee values, up to 91%. The study concludes that the chiral Schiff bases, particularly Id, are effective catalysts for the asymmetric Henry reaction, providing a promising approach for synthesizing enantioenriched ?-nitro alcohols.