Synthesis, structure, and catalytic activity of a new zinc complex derived from a chiral hydroxyazetidine ligand

A new chiral tetrameric zinc complex [(1)ZnEt]4 (2) has been readily prepared via alkane elimination between ZnEt2 and a chiral azetidine derivative, (2R,3R)-1-[(1S)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]-2-phenyl-3-hydroxyazetidine (1H). Complex 2 has been characterized by various spectroscopic techniques, elemental analyses, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Complex 2 has a cubane-like Zn4O4 core structure, and is an active catalyst for the polymerization of rac-lactide, leading to the heterotactic-rich polylactides.