Very high stereoselectivity in organocatalyzed desymmetrizing aldol reactions of 3-substituted cyclobutanones†
Abstract
N-Phenylsulfonyl (S)-proline catalyzes the direct aldol reaction of 3-substituted cyclobutanones and aryl aldehydes in good yield and with excellent diastereoselectivity and enantioselectivity. This desymmetrization process provides highly functionalized cyclobutanones with control over three contiguous stereogenic centers.