Enantioselective Henry reaction catalyzed by a C2-symmetric bis(oxazoline)–Cu(OAc)2·H2O complex

A C(2)-symmetric diethyl (i)Pr-bis(oxazoline)-Cu(OAc)(2).H(2)O was found to be an efficient catalyst for catalyzing an enantioselective Henry reaction between nitromethane and various aldehydes to provide beta-hydroxy nitroalkanes with high chemical yields (up to 95%) and enantiomeric excesses (up to 97%).