Development of highly enantioselective asymmetric aldol reaction catalyzed by 1-glycyl-3-methyl imidazolium chloride–iron(III) complex

• An efficient [Gmim]Cl–Fe(III) for asymmetric aldol reaction in the absence of co-solvent.
• The procedure is easy and does not require special precautions.
• The catalyst was separated and reused for few runs without loss of its catalytic activity.

A novel, effective asymmetric 1-glycyl-3-methyl imidazolium chloride–iron(III) [[Gmim]Cl–Fe(III)] complex was synthesized and studied as organocatalyst in asymmetric aldol addition under solvent free condition at 25 °C. The hydrophobic group of amino acid favors reagent diffusion toward the chloroglycine moiety increasing the catalytic activity of supported iron complex. This method contains simplified product isolation and catalyst recycling, affording substituted aromatic aldehydes imparting high yield of aldol with excellent stereo-selectivity. This recyclable heterogeneous catalyst provides a simple strategy for the generation of a variety of new CC bonds under environmentally benign condition.

Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (134 K)Download as PowerPoint slide