Lin Bei W Pu

US Patent:

60204524, Feb 1, 2000

Filed:

Aug 26, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/920281

Inventors:

Lin Pu - Fargo ND
Wei-Sheng Huang - Fargo ND

Assignee:

North Dakota State University - Fargo ND

International Classification:

C08G 1600

US Classification:

528 86

Abstract:

A chiral biphenyl compound includes a hindered 2,2'-substituted-1,1'-biphenyl subunit and has the following formula: ##STR1## The chiral biphenyl compounds have been shown to be useful as catalysts in asymmetric reactions. For example, an organozinc species can be formed by reacting the chiral biphenyl compound with an organozinc compound, R. sup. 14 R. sup. 15 Zn and then used as a catalyst for the asymmetric alkylation of an aldehyde by an organozinc compound.

US Patent:

58891340, Mar 30, 1999

Filed:

Aug 26, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/918309

Inventors:

Lin Pu - Fargo ND
Wei-Sheng Huang - Fargo ND

Assignee:

North Dakota State University - Fargo ND

International Classification:

C08G 1600

US Classification:

528 86

Abstract:

An organozinc species, useful in the reactions of aldehydes and ketones, is a reaction product of a) a biphenyl compound having one or more hindered 2,2'-substituted biphenyl subunits and b) an organozinc compound, such as diethylzinc. The organozinc species catalyzes the reduction of a ketone by a borane, as well as the epoxidation of. alpha. ,. beta. -unsaturated compounds by an oxidizing agent, such as O. sub. 2 or an alkyl hydroperoxide. The biphenyl compound may be chiral and may catalyze the formation of optically active reaction products.