Scaffolding Catalysts: Highly Enantioselective Desymmetrization Reactions

Abstract
Ex‐changing places: A highly enantioselective desymmetrization of 1,2‐diols has been developed in which the catalyst utilizes reversible covalent bonding to the substrate to achieve both high selectivity and rate acceleration (see scheme, PMP=pentalmethylpiperidine, TBS=tert‐butyldimethylsilyl). Induced intramolecularity is responsible for the enhanced rate, thus allowing the reaction to be performed at room temperature.