Asymmetric synthesis of optically active β-substituted ketones by highly enantioselective catalytic conjugate addition of dialkylzinc reagents to enones using a catalyst system of nickel(II)-chiral ligand–achiral ligand in acetonitrile/toluene

Abstract

Highly enantioselective conjugate addition of dialkylzinc reagents to aryl substituted enones using Ni(II)-bipyridyl–chiral ligand in acetonitrile (MeCN)/toluene as an in situ prepared catalyst system affords β-substituted ketones in up to 90% enantiomeric excess (e.e.).