Copper‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Michael Addition of Magnesium, Zinc, and Aluminum Organometallic Reagents: Efficient Synthesis of Chiral Molecules

Abstract

Choosing the right metal for the job: A broad range of asymmetric conjugate addition reactions are catalyzed efficiently by copper complexes, provided the appropriate organometallic reagent is used. With aluminum reagents, for example, quaternary stereogenic centers with functionalized aryl substituents can be generated with high enantioselectivity (see scheme).