Synthesis of novel 1,1′-bis(oxazolinyl)metallocenes and their application in the asymmetric phenyl transfer from organozincs to aldehydes

Two novel C2-symmetric 1,1′-bis(oxazolinyl)metallocenes bearing two catalytic sites each have been employed in the asymmetric phenyl transfer from organozincs to aldehydes. Both, ferrocene (3) and ruthenocene (10) give very good yields and high enantioselectivities in the title reaction affording optically active diarylmethanols with up to 96% ee.