Enantiomeric Resolution of Asymmetric-Carbon-Free Binuclear Double-Stranded Cobalt(III) Helicates and Their Application as Catalysts in Asymmetric Reactions.

A series of double-stranded binuclear helicates [Co2(H1)2]4+, [Co2(H2)2]4+, and [Co2(H3)2]4+, derived from monodeprotonated bis-pyridyl hydrazine-based ligands of H21, H22, and H23 with one, two, and three -CH2 spacers, were obtained. These asymmetric-carbon-free racemic helicates were separated into their ΔΔ and ΛΛ enantiomers. The resolved helicates were examined for the first time as enantioselective catalysts in asymmetric benzoylation and nitroaldol reactions.