Direct Catalytic Asymmetric Aldol Addition of an α-CF3 Amide to Arylglyoxal Hydrates

Direct asymmetric aldol addition of an alpha-CF3 amide to arylglyoxal hydrates was promoted by a chiral catalyst comprising a soft Lewis acidic Cu(I), a chiral bisphosphine ligand, and DBU. The 7-azaindoline moiety of the amide facilitates its enolization and stabilizes the thus-generated Cu enolate, furnishing enantioenriched aldol adducts.