An alternative model for the asymmetric addition of cyanide to aldehydes catalysed by titanium–salen complexes based on a structurally related iron–salen complex

X-ray crystallographic analysis of [(Fe(3,5-But-salen))2O] 4 allied with comparison of structurally related analogues is used to support an alternative transition state in the titanium–salen catalysed addition of cyanide to aldehydes. Experimental conditions for the preparation and isolation of [(Fe(3,5But-salen))2O] are also reported.

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