Synfacts 2005(2): 0233-0233  
DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-916073
Metal-Catalyzed Asymmetric Synthesis and Stereoselective Reactions
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Zn-Catalyzed Aldol Reaction of Methyl Vinyl Ketone

Contributor(s): Mark Lautens, Andrew Martins
B. M. Trost*, S. Shin, J. A. Sclafani
Stanford University, USA
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
25 October 2005 (online)

Significance

Methyl vinyl ketone (MVK) is typically base sensitive, but functions as an effective bifunctional building block for the Zn-catalyzed aldol reaction under neutral conditions. This first example of asymmetric aldol reaction using MVK works well with numerous aliphatic aldehydes, yielding products of good ee and in moderate to good yield.