Highly homogeneous stereocontrolled construction of quaternary hydroxyesters by addition of dimethylzinc to α-ketoesters promoted by chiral perhydrobenzoxazines and B(OEt)3

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/chem.201102913

A highly efficient enantioselective addition of Me₂Zn to α-ketoesters, assisted by a chiral perhydro-1,3-benzoxazine ligand, is described. This novel catalytic system offers homogeneous elevated enantioselectivities in the preparation of α-hydroxyesters that bear a quaternary stereocenter, with a minor dependence on electronic and steric effects when aromatic, heteroaromatic, or aliphatic α-ketoesters are employed. The catalyst can be recovered and reused without loss of activity.