Copper(II) complexes of 2-(pyridine-2-yl)imidazolidine-4-thione derivatives for asymmetric Henry reactions

The preparation of a new series of 2-(pyridine-2-yl)imidazolidine-4-thione derivatives is described. Their corresponding copper(II) complexes were found to be highly enantioselective catalysts for asymmetric Henry reactions (up to 98% ee). Immobilization of these complexes by anchoring onto Merrifield? resin with respect to their use as recyclable catalysts was subsequently performed. The heterogeneous catalysts prepared in this way were tested in the asymmetric Henry reactions and showed high catalytic activity; they can be easily recycled, although their enantioselectivities were only moderate (～50% ee).