Direct asymmetric catalytic 1,2-addition of RZnX to aldehydes promoted by AlMe3 and reversal of expected stereochemistry

Abstract

Addition of AlMe₃ to commercial THF solutions of RZnX (R = aryl, functionalised aryl, vinyl; X = Br, I) simultaneously promotes Schlenk equilibria (leading to competent nucleophiles) and the formation of an Al–Zn-ligand catalyst delivering 80–90% ee for Ar¹CH(OH)Ar² formation from aldehydes.