Carbohydrate-based spiro bis(isoxazolines): synthesis and evaluation in asymmetric catalysis

Two carbohydrate-based spiro bis(isoxazolines) were synthesized via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition from peracetylated methylene exo-glucal and the corresponding bis(arylnitrile oxide). The bis(cycloadducts) were then evaluated as ligands for enantioselective catalytic reactions. The Pd-catalyzed Tsuji–Trost reaction between a malonate and an allylic acetate did not provide good results. The poor conversion observed can be attributed to the rearrangement of the ligand in the reaction mixture to afford the corresponding ring-opened isoxazole which has been characterized. Both ligands were also evaluated in Cu(I)-catalyzed asymmetric imine alkynylation and afforded the product in good yield and modest enantioselectivity.