Synthesis of mesoporous zirconium-containing silicates and their application for catalytic asymmetric addition of diethylzinc to aldehydes

A series of mesoporous zirconium-containing silicates were prepared in sol–gel, which were further functionalized by chiral sulfonyl chloride and proline for catalytic asymmetric addition of diethylzinc to aldehydes. These materials had good porosities, hexagonal symmetries and internal chiralities. Moreover, significant morphological variations were observed when preparative conditions were changed. These materials also showed good to excellent enantioselectivities in catalysis, and there was chiral induction synergy between silicate matrix and attached ligand. Recycling of catalyst was tested, and promising results were obtained. This study would contribute to the design of mesoporous chiral catalysts.