Stereoselective Michael/aldol tandem reaction triggered by thiolate anion or analogues

Abstract

A combination of a tert-butyl α,β-unsaturated ester, an aldehyde and lithium thiophenolate in CH₂Cl₂ undergoes a one-pot Michael/aldol tandem reaction to give a condensation adduct of the three components, an α-phenylthiomethyl-β-hydroxy ester, in good yield with high syn-selectivity.