The direct and enantioselective γ alkylation of α-substituted α,β-unsaturated aldehydes under dienamine catalysis has been achieved. A cooperative catalysis system that involves dienamine activation of α-branched enals and chiral Brønsted acid catalysis promotes an SN1-alkylation pathway while ensuring complete γ-site selectivity and high stereocontrol (see scheme; Bn = benzyl).
Cooperative organocatalysis for the asymmetric γ-alkylation of α-branched enals
Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2010, 49, 9685-9688.
Highlighted in Synfact 2011, 101