Regioselective alkylation of hydroxysalicylaldehydes

Schiff-base ligands are often used as backbone ligands for mono- and dinuclear complexes that serve as catalysts during aerobic oxidation reactions. However, their water solubility is low and limits their applicability as catalysts to transform highly water-soluble biomolecules, such as carbohydrates or amino alcohols. A new method to regioselectively incorporate water solubility-promoting polyethylene glycol side chains into a frequently used aldehyde building block of Schiff-base ligands has been developed.