Synthesis of new enantiomerically pure C-1- and C-2-symmetric N-alkyl-benzimidazolium and thiazolium salts

Starting from the commercially available enantiopure (1S,2S)-2-amino-1-phenyl-1,3-propanediol novel enantiomerically pure benzimidazoles were prepared; N-alkylation gave chiral benzimidazolium salts, which were tested in asymmetric benzoin condensations. The synthesis of conceptually new, enantiomerically pure, C-2 symmetric bis-thiazolium and bis-benzimidazolium salts was also developed. These new chiral heterocycles were employed as catalysts in the asymmetric dimerisation of benzaldehyde to give benzoin with moderate enantioselectivity. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.