Catalytic asymmetric oxidation of sulfide and styrene derivatives using macroporous resins containing chiral metalloporphyrins (Fe, Ru)

Chiral metalloporphyrin (Fe, Ru) complexes, functionalized with four vinyl groups, have been polymerized with styrene and divinylbenzene (or ethylene glycol) to obtain supported iron and ruthenium complexes. The heterogeneous asymmetric oxidation of sulfides and styrene derivatives was carried out by using these polymers as catalysts. The reaction proceeded under mild conditions and gave sulfoxides and epoxides with good enantiomeric excesses (up to 75–76%). The catalysts keep constant ee values for the recycle tests of up to six times for asymmetric oxidation of styrene derivatives and of up to 14 times for asymmetric oxidation of sulfides with only traces of sulfones.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide