Asymmetric allylation with chiral formamide catalysts

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(98)01097-7

The successful example of chiral formamides that function as asymmetric catalysts is described. (S,S)-N,N-Bis(α-methylbenzyl)formamide mediates the enantioselective addition of allyl- and crotyltrichlorosilanes to aliphatic aldehydes with the assistance of hexamethylphosphoramide (HMPA) to afford the corresponding homoallylic alcohols in up to 98% enantiomeric excess.