Processes for the preparation of heterocyclic hydroxyamines and intermediates and catalysts for use therein

Abstract

A process for the preparation of a compound of Formula (1): wherein: X is S, O or NR, wherein Ris H or an organic group; R is H or an organic group; Rand Reach independently are H, optionally substituted alkyl or optionally substituted aryl; G is a substituent; and n is 0 to 3:which comprises the steps: wherein X, R, G and n are as defined above and Ris optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted alkynyl, optionally substituted aryl, optionally substituted heteroaryl or a combination thereof; and Processes for the preparation of a compounds of Formula (2), novel compounds of Formula (3) and certain preferred catalysts of formula: wherein: Rrepresents a neutral optionally substituted hydrocarbyl, a neutral optionally substituted perhalogenated hydrocarbyl, or an optionally substituted cyclopentadienyl ligand; A represents an optionally substituted nitrogen; B represents an optionally substituted nitrogen, oxygen, sulphur or phosphorous; E represents a linking group; M represents a metal capable of catalysing transfer hydrogenation; and Y represents an anionic group, a basic ligand or a vacant site; provided that at least one of A or B comprises a substituted nitrogen and the substituent has at least one chiral centre; and provided that when Y is not a vacant site that at least one of A or B carries a hydrogen atom, are also provided.