Heterogeneous organocatalysis for the asymmetric desymmetrization of meso-cyclic anhydrides using silica gel-supported bis-cinchona alkaloids

The silica gel-supported bis-cinchona alkaloid was prepared and found to be an efficient heterogeneous chiral organocatalyst with high catalytic activities, enantioselectivities (up to 92% ee), and recyclability for the asymmetric desymmetrization of meso-cyclic anhydrides with alcoholysis.