Preparation and Performance Study of L-leucine Supported Catalysts

A novel helical polymer (compound poly-1₂₀₀) containing side chains of L-leucine was synthesized. This chiral L-leucine polymer catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity and stereoselectivity in Aldol reaction. Poly-1₂₀₀ catalyzed Aldol reaction of cyclopentanone and 4-nitrobenzaldehyde in saturated brine solution with a high enantiomeric excess (ee) value of up to 99% and a diastereomeric selectivity (dr) value of 58/42. Furthermore, the chiral polymer catalyst could be recycled three times in the asymmetric Aldol reaction without significant loss of catalytic activity.