Cation-triggered switchable asymmetric catalysis with chiral Aza-CrownPhos

An aza-crown ether, modified phosphoramidite ligand, has been designed and synthesized. The ON/OFF reversible switch of catalytic activity for its rhodium catalyst was thoroughly investigated in the asymmetric hydrogenation of dehydroamino acid esters modulated by host-guest interactions. In the OFF state, the catalyst is almost inactive (less than 1% conversion) because of the formation of an intermolecular sandwich complex by two aza-crown ether moities and the cationic rhodium metal center. In using alkali-metal-cations as the trigger, the catalytic activity was turned ON and consequently resulted in full conversions and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee).