Asymmetric Epoxidation of Unfunctionalized Olefins Catalyzed by Chiral (Pyrrolidine Salen) Mn (III) Complexes with Proline Sidearms

Four (R, R)-3, 4-diaminopyrrolidine-based chiral Salen ligands with L-Boc-N-proline, D-Boc-N-proline, L-proline, D-proline as respective sidearms, as well as their manganese complexes were synthesized and characterized. These Salen-Mn(III) complexes were applied to the asymmetric epoxidations of unfunctionalized olefins with NaClO, and m-CPBA as respective oxidants. The catalysis of the Salen-Mn (III) complexes varied with the change of sidearms. The one with D-Boc-N-proline as a sidearm showed the best asymmetric catalysis among the four chiral manganese complexes, and its catalysis was also better than that of the one with a benzyl sidearm, and comparable with that of Jacobsen's catalyst. Moderate to excellent enantioselectivities and yields were achieved in the asymmetric of various olefins over this complex. The big enhancement of the D-Boc-N-proline sidearm on the enantioselectivity of the asymmetric epoxidation might be ascribed to its large steric hindrance and appropriate configuration, allowing the Boc moiety to be away from the side-on approach pathway of olefins to the active center but near the opposite side one in some degree, thus facilitating the approach of olefins to the active center from one direction.