C1-symmetric oxazolinyl sulfoximines as ligands in copper-catalyzed asymmetric Mukaiyama aldol reactions

Aryl-bridged C-1-symmetric oxazolinyl sulfoximines are applicable in copper-catalyzed asymmetric Mukaiyama aldol reactions with methyl pyruvate. The resulting alpha-hydroxy esters have been obtained with up to 94% ee in good yields. They contain a quaternary stereogenic center and represent valuable precursors for biologically active molecules.