Catalytic asymmetric cyclopropanation at a chiral platform.

Novel chiral Robson-type macrocyclic complexes M(2)-L [where M = Mn(II), Mn(III), Co(II) and Co(III) and L denotes tetra-Schiff base chiral ligands, L1 or L2] have been synthesized by metal template condensation of 2,6-diformyl-4-methyl-phenol, with 1R,2R-diaminocyclohexane (L1) or 1R,2R-diphenylethylenediamine (L2). The dinuclear Co(II) and Co(III) complexes catalyze asymmetric cyclopropanation of styrene with diazoacetate cooperatively and with high enantioselectivity.