In Situ Formed Bifunctional Primary Amine–Imine Catalyst for Asymmetric Aldol Reactions of α‐Keto Esters

Abstract

In prime condition: The hydrolysis of a chiral diimine precursor can be carried out by a Brønsted acid to form an in situ primary amine–imine intermediate as a bifunctional primary aminocatalyst, which promoted direct asymmetric aldol reactions between α-keto esters and ketones in high yields (up to 88 %) and with excellent enantioselectivities (see scheme; R1, R2, R4=alkyl; R3=aryl). Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.