Synthesis and conformational study of a novel macrocyclic chiral(salen) ligand and its uranyl and Mn complexes.

A novel chiral macrocyclic ligand incorporating a chiral salen moiety into a framework containing two biphenyl units was synthesized. Structural properties and conformational aspects of the free ligand and an UO2 complex were studied by using NMR spectroscopy in solution and MM calculations. The Mn(III) complex was tested as catalyst in enantioselective oxidation of prochiral unfunctionalized olefins to the corresponding optically active epoxides under very mild conditions.