We report a novel vapour phase procedure to perform the Soai reaction in an absolute asymmetric synthesis fashion: the substrate is confined in the pores of the UiO-type MOFs, and vapour phase reactions with Zn(i-Pr)₂ are performed in a sealed environment, Different MOFs lead to different outcomes in terms of enantiomeric excess, handedness of the product and reaction rate. This is one of the first examples of absolute asymmetric synthesis performed inside a MOF.

Absolute asymmetric amplification is observed for pyridine alkanol by reaction with iPr₂Zn vapor under heterogenous conditions. Beside the chiral alkanol, formation of a chiral ester is observed and identified as a subsequent Claisen-Tishchenko product of a hemiacetal intermediate during a Soai absolute amplification.

Absolute asymmetric amplification is observed for pyridine alkanol by reaction with iPr₂Zn vapor under heterogenous conditions. Beside the chiral alkanol, formation of a chiral ester is observed and identified as a subsequent Claisen-Tishchenko product of a hemiacetal intermediate during a Soai absolute amplification.

We report a novel vapour phase procedure to perform the Soai reaction in an absolute asymmetric synthesis fashion: the substrate is confined in the pores of the UiO-type MOFs, and vapour phase reactions with Zn(i-Pr)₂ are performed in a sealed environment, Different MOFs lead to different outcomes in terms of enantiomeric excess, handedness of the product and reaction rate. This is one of the first examples of absolute asymmetric synthesis performed inside a MOF.