Modular iminopyridine ligands.: Application to the enantioselective copper(II)-catalyzed Henry reaction

Chiral iminopyridines prepared in a modular fashion from monoterpenic (camphor-derived) ketones and pyridinylalkylamines catalyze the enantioselective Henry (nitro aldol) reaction between nitromethane and o-anisol in the presence of copper(II) acetate, with high yields and good ee (up to 86%) under straightforward experimental conditions without the need for air or moisture exclusion. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.