Catalytic Asymmetric Hydroxymethylation of Silicon Enolates Using an Aqueous Solution of Formaldehyde with a Chiral Scandium Complex

Abstract

Catalytic asymmetric hydroxymethylation of silicon enolates has been achieved. In this reaction, an aqueous solution of formaldehyde can be used to realize an easy and safe procedure, and high enantioselectivities have been obtained. This is the first example of catalytic asymmetric reactions in aqueous media with a chiral scandium complex.