The use of bifunctional catalyst systems in the asymmetric addition of alkynylzinc to aldehydes

Abstract

The bifunctional ligand 2a showed a more enhanced reactivity than that of the corresponding amino alcohol ligand in the asymmetric addition of alkynylzinc to benzaldehyde. The bifunctional ligand 2a can catalyze the addition of phenylacetylene to various types of aldehydes including aromatic aldehydes, aliphatic aldehydes, and α,β-unsaturated aldehydes with high enantioselectivity (81–98% ee). The conditions of this catalytic process are both mild and simple.