Chiral polyethers derived from BINOL and ECH as highly enantioselective and efficient catalysts for the borane reduction of prochiral ketones

•The polyethers derived from chiral BINOL and epichlorohydrin were synthesized.•Up to 98% yields and over 99% ee values were obtained in the borane reduction.•The recovered polyethers could be reused without losing their catalytic activity.•Higher enantioselectivity was observed for the reaction of substituted ketone.

Two novel polyethers derived from BINOL were synthesized and used to induce the enantioselective borane reduction of prochiral ketones. The polyethers gave the expected secondary alcohols with up to 98% yields and over 99% ee values. The recovered polyethers could be reused for many times to induce the enantioselective reduction of prochiral ketones without losing their enantioselective induction ability.

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