Asymmetric allylation with chiral formamide catalysts

Abstract

The successful example of chiral formamides that function as asymmetric catalysts is described. ( S, S)- N, N-Bis(α-methylbenzyl)formamide mediates the enantioselective addition of allyl- and crotyltrichlorosilanes to aliphatic aldehydes with the assistance of hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA) to afford the corresponding homoallylic alcohols in up to 98% enantiomeric excess.