Asymmetric synthesis. Part 19. Asymmetric autocatalysis of (R)-1-phenylpropan-1-ol mediated by a catalytic amount of amine in the addition of diethylzinc to benzaldehyde

Abstract

(R)-1-Phenylpropan-1-ol has been shown to undergo enantioselective autocatalysis in up to ca. 100% chemical yield and up to 49.2% ee, with retention of configuration, through the addition of diethylzinc to benzaldehyde mediated by a catalytic amount (4–6 mol%) of various amines.