Enantioselective reduction of α,β-unsaturated ketones bearing the trifluoromethyl group

alpha,beta -Unsaturated ketones bearing the trifluoromethyl group were enantioselectively reduced by a variety of reagents to the corresponding secondary allylic alcohols with e.e. in the range 87-99%. The influence of the trifluoromethyl group on the enantioselectivity is discussed. (C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.