Catalytic Enantioselective Aldol Additions to Ketones

Enantioselective aldol addition to ketones has received growing attention since the resulting tertiary aldols are valuable building blocks for many biologically active compounds. Recently, several catalytic methodologies have been developed based on the activation of acceptor ketones and/or nucleophile enolates, overcoming problems associated with the lower reactivity and decreased steric discrimination of ketones compared to aldehydes. This microreview presents an overview of the progresses in the catalytic enantioselective aldol additions to ketones. ((C) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)