Synfacts 2011(4): 0401-0401  
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1259663
Metal-Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis and Stereoselective Reactions
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New York

Direct Aldol Reaction Catalyzed by a Chiral Bifunctional Catalyst System

Contributor(s): Hisashi Yamamoto, Zhi Li
P. Daka, Z. Xu, A. Alexa, H. Wang*
Miami University, Oxford, USA
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 March 2011 (online)

Significance

This paper describes the development of a new class of chiral bifunctional catalysts for asymmetric aldol reactions. The catalyst system is based on a Lewis acid center coordinating with a chiral bidentate ligand, which also contains a primary amine moiety. The Lewis acid activates the electrophilic aldehyde by coordination, while the amine activates the ketone nucleophile by enamine formation.