Development of a new dimeric cyclophane ligand: application to enhanced diastereo- and enantioselectivity in the catalytic synthesis of beta-lactams.

We detail the synthesis of a new C(2)-symmetric bis(cyclophane) ligand system that can be thought of as electronically analogous to binol, but which possesses the added "third dimension" of cyclophane chirality. The ligand synthesis involves a spontaneous (but unexpected) atropisomerization to the desired product. We have employed this ligand to form a metal complex that is an effective cocatalyst for the highly enantio- and diastereoselective catalytic asymmetric synthesis of a beta-lactam.