Functionalization of BINOL and application in the homo- and heterogeneous enantioselective epoxidation of α,β-unsaturated ketones

The selective functionalization of BINOL derivatives with 3-(dimethylamino)prop-1-yn-1-yl is described. The corresponding La and Yb complexes were evaluated toward the epoxidation of α,β-unsaturated ketones. The Yb-complexes display the highest catalytic activity and selectivity, affording the expected chiral epoxides in quantitative yields and up to 90% ee in homogeneous conditions, and 93% ee when supported on silica gel.