title: Highly enantioselective intermolecular Stetter reaction of simple acrylates: synthesis of α-chiral γ-ketoesters.
abstract: Simple Stetter: A novel N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) was designed by combining an electron-rich 2,6-dimethoxy substituent and an underestimated yet promising chiral motif. With this NHC in hand, a highly enantioselective intermolecular Stetter reaction of simple acrylates was developed, yielding versatile α-chiral γ-ketoesters. This represents the first catalytic asymmetric route towards these valuable compounds (see scheme).
authors.affiliation: Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Organisch-Chemisches Institut, Corrensstrasse 40, 48149 Münster (Germany), Fax: (+49) 251-83-33202.
authors.forename: Nathalie E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Wurz
authors.forename: Constantin G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Daniliuc
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Glorius