Synlett 2012(3): 321-325  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1290321
SYNPACTS
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

Scaffolding Catalysis: Expanding the Repertoire of Bifunctional Catalysts

Kian L. Tan*, Xixi Sun, Amanda D. Worthy
Department of Chemistry, Boston College, 2609 Beacon St., Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA
Fax: +1(617)5526351; e-Mail: kian.tan.1@bc.edu;
Further Information

Publication History

Received 21 November 2011
Publication Date:
25 January 2012 (online)

Abstract

Inducing an intramolecular reaction is a powerful means of accelerating reactions. Though this mechanism of catalysis is common in enzymes, it is underutilized in synthetic catalysts. This article outlines our group’s recent efforts to use reversible covalent bonding to induce an intramolecular reaction, allowing for rate acceleration as well as control of the selectivity in the desymmetrization of 1,2-diols.