One-pot asymmetric conjugate addition-trapping of zinc enolates by activated electrophiles

The copper-catalyzed asymmetric conjugate addition of dialkyl zinc leads to homochiral zinc enolates. These intermediates were trapped in situ with activated allylic electrophiles, without the need of additional palladium catalysis. High trans selectivity (85/15 to 100/0) and excellent enantioselectivities ( up to 99%) could be attained. The functionalized nature of the electrophiles makes the new synthons potential candidates for further elaboration.