Synthesis of Unsymmetrical Vicinal Diols Using Titanium Aminotroponiminate Alkyl Complexes

A novel, multicomponent method to prepare vicinal diols from titanium dialkyl complexes, CO, and carbonyl compounds is presented. The reaction involves sequential coupling of aminotroponiminate-supported titanium dialkyl complexes, carbon monoxide, and carbonyl compounds to yield vicinal diols following hydrolysis of the diolate complexes.