Novel enantiopure ligands for asymmetric catalysis

The scope of the palladium catalysed allylic substitution reaction is reviewed with particular reference to stereocontrol. The use of enantiopure oxazolines and acetals in asymmetric synthesis is briefly outlined. The work presented is concerned with the design and construction of enantiopure ligands which are able to impart very high levels of enantioselectivity in the aforementioned palladium-catalysed allylic substitution reaction. The ligands exploit the stereochemistry-controlling properties of the oxazoline moiety, whilst incorporating a secondary donor atom. The ligands rely upon an electronic disparity between these two atoms to direct nucleophilic addition. [Continues.]