Enantioselective construction of quaternary asymmetric carbon centers using an aldol reaction of trimethoxysilyl enol ethers catalyzed by lithium binaphtholate

An aldol reaction of 2,2-disubstituted trimethoxysilyl enol ethers with alclehydes catalyzed by a dilithium salt of (R)-3,3'-dichlorobinaphthol afforded the corresponding aldol adducts with quaternary carbon centers in high anti-selectivities (syn:anti = similar to 4:50) and enantioselectivities (similar to 90% ee). (c) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.