One aspect of the present invention relates to quinine-based and quinidine-based catalysts. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of preparing a derivatized quinine-based or quinidine-based catalyst comprising 1) reacting quinine or quinidine with base and a compound that has a suitable leaving group, and 2) converting the ring methoxy group to a hydroxy group. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of preparing a chiral, non-racemic compound from a prochiral electron-deficient alkene or azo compound or prochiral aldehyde or prochiral ketone, comprising the step of: reacting a prochiral electron-deficient alkene or azo compound or prochiral aldehyde or prochiral ketone with a nucleophile in the presence of a catalyst; thereby producing a chiral, non-racemic compound; wherein said catalyst is a derivatized quinine or quinidine. Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of kinetic resolution, comprising the step of: reacting racemic chiral alkene with a nucleophile in the presence of a derivatized quinine or quinidine.
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/576,754, filed Jun. 3, 2004; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/592,500, filed Jul. 30, 2004.
