Modification of the BINOL Skeleton: Application to Enantioselective Catalysis

A new 1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2'-diol (BINOL) derivative that is soluble in water was successfully synthesized and characterized by performing several modifications on the BINOL skeleton, including methylation of the OH groups, and bromination, Sonogashira coupling, and quaternization in the 6 and 6' sites of the molecule. The product was preliminarily studied in a catalytic test and proved to act as an effective phase transfer catalyst in an alkylation reaction, yielding conversions of approximately 85%. Studies are currently underway to further understand the effectiveness of the compound as a catalyst and to investigate the presence of enantioselectivity.