Synthesis of new chiral 1,3-aminoalcohols derived from levoglucosenone and their application in asymmetric alkylations

We have developed a simple procedure for the preparation of chiral 1,3-aminoalcohols using the biomass derivative levoglucosenone, as the chiral starting material. 1,3-aminoalcohols, bearing primary and tertiary amino groups, were tested as chiral catalysts in the asymmetric addition of diethyl zinc to benzaldehyde.