Enantioselective α- and γ-alkylation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes using dienamine activation

Org Lett. 2011 Jan 7;13(1):70-3. doi: 10.1021/ol102559f. Epub 2010 Dec 7.

Abstract

The enantioselective alkylation of α,β-unsaturated aldehydes with stabilized carbocations as electrophiles via the activation as dienamine intermediates is described. This unique application of dienamine catalysis allows for the first enantioselective γ-alkylation of linear α,β-unsubstituted enals.