Insoluble polymer-bound (IPB) approach to the catalytic asymmetric dihydroxylation of alkenes

Asymmetric dihydroxylation induced by Insoluble Polymer-Bound (IPB approach) Cinchona alkaloid derivatives is reviewed. Reactivities and enantioselectivities comparable to those achieved with the soluble counterparts are obtained with polymers having structural properties compatible with the reaction conditions. By using a highly efficient polymer, olefins with different structures can be dihydroxylated at a synthetically useful level of enantioselectivity. Handling and recovery of the catalyst is very easy; recycling is performed with a small amount of metal.