A series of chiral 1,1′-binaphthyl-2,2′-disulfonic acids was designed, synthesized, and applied in a highly enantioselective Ti-catalyzed intramolecular hydroalkoxylation of nonactivated alkenes. The catalyst is probably a complex between two chiral binaphthyldisulfonate ligands and a bis(μ-oxo)−dititanium(IV) core structure. The sulfonamide groups of the ligands and water are necessary for the catalysis, as they may stabilize the catalytically active complex through hydrogen bonding. Various 2methylcoumarans were obtained in up to greater than 99% yields and up to 97% enantiomeric excess under mild conditions.

Many chiral ethers have important physiological activities. Although many asymmetric hydroalkoxylations of olefins with alcohols or phenols have been developed to make chiral ethers, challenges still remain in achieving high reactivity and selectivity over an ever-increasing diversity of alkenes and alcohols. In this review, recent developments on catalytic asymmetric alkene hydroalkoxylations are summarized based on the substitution patterns of alkenes.1 Introduction2 Asymmetric Hydroalkoxylation of Non-Activated Alkenes2.1 Intramolecular Additions2.2 Intermolecular Additions3 Asymmetric Hydroalkoxylation of Enol Ethers3.1 Intramolecular Additions3.2 Intermolecular Additions4 Asymmetric Hydroalkoxylation of α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds4.1 α,β-Unsaturated Ketones and Aldehydes as Substrates4.2 α,β-Unsaturated Esters, Amides and Carboxylic Acids as Substrates5 Asymmetric Hydroalkoxylation of Allenes5.1 Intramolecular Additions5.2 Intermolecular Additions6 Conclusion