title: Direct catalytic aldol-type reactions using RCH2CN.
abstract: [reaction: see text] A copper fluoride-catalyzed cyanomethylation that can be applied to a wide range of ketones and aldehydes was developed using TMSCH(2)CN as a nucleophile. The reaction was extended to a conceptually more advanced copper alkoxide-catalyzed direct addition of alkylnitriles to aldehydes, which can act as a surrogate direct catalytic aldol reaction of esters. These reactions can be applied to the first catalytic enantioselective cyanomethylation of ketones and direct catalytic enantioselective cyanomethylation of aldehydes.
authors.affiliation: Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan.
authors.forename: Yutaka
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Suto
authors.forename: Naoya
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kumagai
authors.forename: Shigeki
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Matsunaga
authors.forename: Motomu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kanai
authors.forename: Masakatsu
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shibasaki