Evaluation of Some Cyclic Dipeptides as Catalysts for the Asymmetric Hydrocyanation of Aldehydes

Abstract

A series of cyclic dipeptides has been prepared and evaluated as catalysts for the asymmetric hydrocyanation of benzaldehyde and 3-phenoxybenzaldehyde. Cyclo -(R,R)- or (S-S)-( phenylalanylhistidyl ), previously reported by Inoue and his coworkers, has proven to be the most effective catalyst, giving high preparative and optical yields under appropriate conditions.