Reduction of Ketones with LiAlH4 Complexes of α,α,α\u27,α\u27-Tetraaryl-1,3-dioxolane-4,5-dimethanols (TADDOLs) A Combination of Enantioselective Reduction and Clathrate Formation with a Discussion of LAH Reagents Bearing C2-Symmetrical Ligands

Abstract

A complex prepared from one equivalent each of LiAlH4, EtOH and a TADDOL (α,α,α\u27,α\u27-tetraaryl-1,3-dioxolane-4,5-dimethanol) reduces aryl alkyl ketones to sec. alcohols with enantiomer ratios (er) up to 96 : 4. The chiral LAH derivative is used in two-fold excess in THF solution and at dry ice temperatures. The ability of TADDOLs to form clathrates diastereoselectively can be exploited to increase the er of the initially formed alcohols by a simple modification of the work-up procedure and hence, products of very high en- antiopurity (er 99 : 1) can be isolated. When (7i,/i)-TADDOLs (from (ZiA)-tartrate) are applied in the reaction, the 1-aryl-alkanols formed preferentially have (S) configuration, as for the products obtained with the corresponding (P)-BINOL and (P)-BIPHENOL derivatives. A common mechanistic model is discussed