D.sub.4 -symmetric porphyrin-based catalysts, processes for preparing same, and processes for using same

Abstract

The present invention provides novel D.sub.4 -symmetric chiral porphyrins derived from 1R-(+)-nopinone. The simplicity and flexibility of this synthetic protocol provides an attractive route to this novel class of porphyrins starting from cyclic ketones. For example, the chloromanganese (III) derivatives of the new macrocycles have utility as catalysts for the asymmetric epoxidation of aromatic alkenes.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.