Enantioselective Synthesis of Planar Chiral [Cr(η6-Arene)(CO)3] complexes via nucleophilic addition/hydride abstraction. Preliminary communication

Non-racemic, planar chiral 1, 2-disubstituted [Cr(η⁶-arene)(CO)₃] complexes were obtained via external chiral ligand-controlled nucleophilic addition of alkyl-, vinyl-, and aryllithium reagents to monosubstituted complexes followed by an endo-hydride abstraction with trityl cation. The reactions with [Cr(CO)₃(η⁶-phenyloxazoline)], [Cr(CO)₃(η⁶-phenylmethaneimine)], and [Cr(CO)₃ (η⁶-phenylmethanenydrazone)] took place with complete ortho-selectivity and a high degree of enantioselectivity (up to 98% ee).