Paraldehyde as an Acetaldehyde Precursor in Asymmetric Michael Reactions Promoted by Site-Isolated Incompatible Catalysts

Abstract: A song of ice and fire! The usually innocent paraldehyde can be used as an acetaldehyde precursor in an organocatalytic asymmetric Michael addition (see scheme) thanks to the proper combination of two immobilized catalysts. The site isolation induced by the polymeric supports has proven crucial to preclude deactivation of the otherwise incompatible catalysts.