Lithium Binaphtholate Catalyzed Direct Asymmetric Aldol-Tishchenko Reaction

Significance

The direct aldol-Tishchenko reaction of ketones with aldehydes catalyzed by a chiral lithium binaphtholate is described. Initially, a mixture of monobenzoyl 1,3-diols is formed. Subsequent hydrolysis generates the 1,3-diols as single diastereomers and in high yield and enantiomeric excess. The catalyst is inexpensive and can be easily prepared.