(S)-2,15-Cl2-DHTP–boron complex catalyst for the asymmetric Diels–Alder cycloaddition of 2′-hydroxychalcones and dienes was developed and tested. The resulting cyclohexenes with three chiral centers were obtained in high yields (up to 98%) with excellent stereoselectivities (up to >20:1 endo/exo, >99% ee). This catalytic system features high efficiency, broad substrate scopes, and mild reaction conditions. In addition, a DFT study was performed to explain the stereochemical course of the asymmetric induction.

The synthesis and application of a newly designed C 2-symmetric chiral-substituted 1,16-dihedroxytetraphenylene (DHTP) is reported. Efficient syntheses of enantiopure substituted DHTP were accomplished, and these enantiopure compounds were used as organocatalysts in asymmetric allylboration of ketones under very mild conditions. Accordingly, several tertiary alcohols were generated in moderate to good yields with up to 99% ee by using the catalyst (S)-2,15-Br2-DHTP. A gram-scale reaction was achieved in 99% yield with 96% ee.

(S)-2,15-Br2-DHTP-catalyzed asymmetric conjugate addition of boronic acids to β-trifluoromethyl α,β-unsaturated ketones and enones was studied. The reaction afforded the corresponding Michael addition products in moderate to high yields with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99:1 er). This catalytic system features mild reaction conditions, high efficiency, and tolerance to heteroarylboronic acids.

An efficient catalytic asymmetric Darzens reaction of N-protected isatins with diazoacetamides using a chiral BINOL/Ti(OPr) complex as the catalyst has been developed. This reaction is a straightforward method for the synthesis of spiro-epoxyoxindoles in 40-95% yields, up to >20:1 dr and up to >99% ee. A gram-scale reaction was also achieved in 95% yield with excellent stereoselectivity and enantioselectivity (>20:1 dr, >99% ee).