Synthesis of novel chiral heterometallic terpene oximates: unusual generation of an aluminium enolate by a cooperative effect

Abstract

Al–K heterometallic terpene oximate derivatives with uncommon structural features are reported. These species react with an aryl ketone leading to heterometallic enolates via an unusual route. Isolation of a remarkable heterometallic Al–K enolate confirms the cooperative mechanism proposed by DFT calculations, where the oximate ligand has a prominent role. From these enolates the formation of new C–C bonds is straightforward.