2,2′-[(1R,2R)-1,2-Cyclohexanediylbis[(E)-(nitrilomethylidyne)]]bis[4-(tert-butyl)-6-(1-piperidinylmethyl)phenol] can be used to prepare the piperidine salen-titanium metal complex, which is applicable as a catalyst in the alkylations of α-ketoesters using dialkylzinc.