Synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of a chiral molybdenum porphyrin andits catalytic behaviour toward asymmetric epoxidation of aromatic alkenes

Reaction of M(CO)(6) with H2P* (5,10,15,20-tetrakis-{(1S,4R,5R,8S)-1,2,3,4, 5,6,7,8-octahydro-1,4:5,8-dimethanoanthracene-9-yl}porphyrin) followed by t reatment with methanol afforded [(MoO)-O-v(P*)(OMe)] (1) in similar to 80% yield. Complex 1 was characterised by IR and ESR spectroscopy and X-ray str ucture determination. This chiral molybdenum porphyrin was found to catalys e the epoxidation of styrene, cis-beta -methylstyrene, and 1,2-dihydronapht halene with tert-butyl hydroperoxide in up to 29% ee. (C) 2001 Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All rights reserved.