Parallel synthesis of modular chiral Schiff base ligands and evaluation in the Ti(IV) catalyzed asymmetric trimethylsilylcyanation of aldehydes

Highly modular tridentate Schiff base ligands arising from enantiopure epoxyalcohols have been prepared and evaluated in catalysis using parallel methods. The key structural motifs and experimental parameters have been identified, allowing enantioselectivities of up to 77% ee in the titatium-catalyzed trimethylsilyl cyanide addition to aldehydes.