Synthesis, resolution and racemisation studies of new tridentate ligands for asymmetric catalysis

A method for the high-yielding preparation of two tridentate, isoquinoline-derived ligands, involving successive Suzuki cross-coupling reactions, is described. The first ligand could be resolved via molecular complexation with N-benzylcinchonidinium chloride, while the second was resolved by chromatographic separation of its epimeric camphorsulfonates. The barrier to rotation about the central biaryl axis was evaluated via racemisation studies, and the absolute configuration assigned by X-ray crystallography.