Nickel complexes from α-amino amides as efficient catalysts for the enantioselective Et2Zn addition to benzaldehyde

Ni2+ complexes derived from simple alpha-amino amides catalyze very efficiently the addition of Et2Zn to benzaldehyde, giving (S)-1-phenylethanol as the major isomer in most cases (94% yield, 97% ee for R=Bn). The nature of the substituent on the amide nitrogen atom seems to play a key role in determining the asymmetric induction observed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.