title: Asymmetric cyclopropanation of styrenes catalyzed by metal complexes of D2-symmetrical chiral porphyrin: superiority of cobalt over iron.
abstract: The cobalt(II) complex of D2-symmetric chiral porphyrin [Co(1)] is an effective catalyst for highly diastereoselective and enantioselective cyclopropanation of a broad range of styrene derivatives under mild conditions. Dimerization of diazo compounds, a common side reaction in metal-mediated carbene transfer processes, is minimized in a cobalt porphyrin-based system, obviating the need to employ excess substrates and slow addition of diazo compounds. The high catalytic activity and selectivity of [Co(1)] evidently resulted from the appropriate combination of the cobalt ion and the chiral porphyrin 1 as the use of iron(III) complex of the same ligand [Fe(1)Cl] afforded the desired cyclopropane products in low yields and poor enantioselectivity.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620-5250, USA.
authors.forename: Ying
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: X Peter
authors.initials: XP
authors.lastname: Zhang