Abstract: The present invention pertains generally to compositions comprising organocatalysts that facilitate stereo-selective reactions and the method of their synthesis and use. Particularly, the invention relates to metal-free organocatalysts for facilitation of stereo-selective reactions, and the method of their synthesis and use. These compounds have the structure of the Formulas (I) and (II). Where X is independently selected from CH2, N—Ra, O, S or C?O; Y is CH2, N—Ra, O, S or C?O, with the proviso that at least one of X or Y is CH2, and preferably both of X and Y are CH2; Ra is H, an optionally substituted C1-C12 alkyl, preferably an optionally substituted C1-C6alkyl including a C3-C6 cyclic alkyl group, or an optionally substituted aryl group, preferably an optionally substituted phenyl group; Rb is H, an optionally substituted C1-C12 alkyl, preferably an optionally substituted C1-C6 acyclic or a a C3-C6 cyclic alkyl group, CIIO, N(Me)O, CO(S)Ra or the group of Formula (III).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to double metal cyanide catalysts (“DMC”) which are prepared by combining i) at least one metal salt; ii) at least one metal cyanide salt; iii) at least one organic complexing ligand; iv) at least one alkali metal salt; and, optionally, v) at least one functionalized polymer under conditions sufficient to form a catalyst; and adding a sufficient amount of the at least one alkali metal salt to the catalyst so formed in an amount such that the catalyst includes the at least one alkali metal salt in an amount of from about 0.4 to about 6 wt. % based on the total weight of the catalyst. The polyols produced in the presence of the catalysts of the present invention have reduced levels of high molecular weight tail.