The selective functionalization of BINOL in position 6 or 6 and 6’ with 3-(dimethylamino)prop-1-yn-1yl is described, and it constitutes a promising strategy for the development of a recyclable ligands. The corresponding La and Yb complexes were evaluated towards the epoxidation of α,β-unsaturated ketones. The Yb-complexes displayed an efficient activity, affording the expected chiral epoxides in up to 90 or 93% ee in homogeneous and heterogenous catalysis, respectively.As part of our studies, we also evaluated new catalysts with a penta-coordinated manganese ion [LMn(III)OH]ClO4 and LMnCl0.5. These complexes were tested in the epoxidation reaction of terminal olefins using H2O2/NaHCO3 and PhIO as an oxidant. It turns out that the complex [LMn (III) OH] ClO4 is the most efficient catalyst of the series. Another approach was also considered: oxidize a molecule of water present in the coordination sphere of the metal by Cerium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) and use the generated oxidizing species to oxidize substrates. Our studies have shown that this strategy was feasible and allowed to oxidize organic substrates.
