Synthesis of enantiopure axially chiral C3-symmetric tripodal ligands and their application as catalysts in the asymmetric addition of dialkylzinc to aldehydes.

The enantioselective synthesis of a novel-type C(3)-symmetric tripodal ligand that is composed of a central mesitylene-derived core and three functionalized, axially chiral biaryl subunits is described. The triol (M,M,M)-3 is a suitable catalyst for the enantioselective addition of dialkylzinc to various aromatic aldehydes with asymmetric inductions of up to 98% ee.