A series of derivatives of (1R, 2S) or (1S, 2R)-2-amino-1, 2-diphenyl ethanol (1) have been applied to asymmetric Reformatsky reaction of benzaldehyde (2) with alkyl bromoacetate (3). The influence of structure of the chiral aminoalcohol on the enantioselectivity was studied. Then several reaction parameters were also researched, including the amount of chiral ligand, solvent effect and alternation of the substrate. Furthermore, 0.25mol% of the chiral ligands were emplloyed in the reaction of benzaldehyde with optically active menthyl bromoacetate and moderate enantioselectivity has been achieved via matched double chiral induction. The effect of various experimental methods on the enantioselectivity was also studied. Finally, a catalytic asymmetric mechanism was suggested. Moreover, the most experimental facts can be explained by the mechanism proposed.

Key words: SELECTIVITY, AMINO ALCOHOL