Platinum-catalyzed asymmetric ring-opening reactions of oxabenzonorbornadienes with phenols.

A platinum(II)-catalyzed asymmetric ring opening of oxabenzonorbornadienes with phenols was developed, which afforded the corresponding cis-2-(un)substituted phenoxy-1,2-dihydronaphthalen-1-ol products rather than the trans ones in excellent yields (up to 99%) with moderate to good enantioselectivities (up to 87% ee) under mild conditions. In addition, the cis-configuration of product 2b was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. Based on the results, a potential mechanism for the present catalytic reaction was proposed.