Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method of halogenating phenols, yielding a range of halogenated phenols with enantiomeric ratio of up to 99.5:0.5. In certain embodiments, the subject invention pertains to a method of asymmetric halogenation of bisphenol, yielding a range of chiral bisphenol ligands. The novel chiral bisphenols are potent privileged catalyst cores that can be applied to the preparation of ligands for various catalytic asymmetric reactions. The catalyst library can easily be accessed because late-stage modification of the scaffold can readily be executed through cross-coupling of the halogen handles on the bisphenols.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method of halogenating phenols, yielding a range of halogenated phenols with enantiomeric ratio of up to 99.5:0.5. In certain embodiments, the subject invention pertains to a method of asymmetric halogenation of bisphenol, yielding a range of chiral bisphenol ligands. The novel chiral bisphenols are potent privileged catalyst cores that can be applied to the preparation of ligands for various catalytic asymmetric reactions. The catalyst library can easily be accessed because late-stage modification of the scaffold can readily be executed through cross-coupling of the halogen handles on the bisphenols.

Abstract: An amide/iminium zwitterion catalyst has a catalyst pocket size that promotes transesterification and dehydrative esterification. The amide/iminium zwitterions are easily prepared by reacting aziridines with aminopyridines. The reaction can be applied a wide variety of esterification processes including the large-scale synthesis of biodiesel. The amide/iminium zwitterions allow the avoidance of strongly basic or acidic condition and avoidance of metal contamination in the products. Reactions are carried out at ambient or only modestly elevated temperatures. The amide/iminium zwitterion catalyst is easily recycled and reactions proceed in high to quantitative yields.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method of halogenating phenols, yielding a range of halogenated phenols with enantiomeric ratio of up to 99.5:0.5. In certain embodiments, the subject invention pertains to a method of asymmetric halogenation of bisphenol, yielding a range of chiral bisphenol ligands. The novel chiral bisphenols are potent privileged catalyst cores that can be applied to the preparation of ligands for various catalytic asymmetric reactions. The catalyst library can easily be accessed because late-stage modification of the scaffold can readily be executed through cross-coupling of the halogen handles on the bisphenols.

Abstract: An amide/iminium zwitterion catalyst has a catalyst pocket size that promotes transesterification and dehydrative esterification. The amide/iminium zwitterions are easily prepared by reacting aziridines with aminopyridines. The reaction can be applied a wide variety of esterification processes including the large-scale synthesis of biodiesel. The amide/iminium zwitterions allow the avoidance of strongly basic or acidic condition and avoidance of metal contamination in the products. Reactions are carried out at ambient or only modestly elevated temperatures. The amide/iminium zwitterion catalyst is easily recycled and reactions proceed in high to quantitative yields.