Synthesis of novel Schiff base ligands from gluco- and galactochloraloses for the Cu(II) catalyzed asymmetric Henry reaction

•A series of chiral Schiff base ligands has been prepared using aminochloralose derivatives of glucose and galactose.•The Schiff base ligands were used as catalysts for the asymmetric Henry reaction in the presence of Cu(II) ions.•These ligands in the presence of metal ions show considerable promise as catalysts in asymmetric synthesis.

A series of chiral Schiff base ligands has been prepared using aminochloralose derivatives of glucose and galactose. These ligands were used as catalysts in the asymmetric Henry reaction in the presence of Cu(II) ions giving yields of up to 95%. An interesting solvent dependency on enantiomeric control was observed with the best enantiomeric excesses (up to 91%) being obtained in the presence of water.

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