Conjugate Addition Catalyzed by a Bifunctional Biscobalt Catalyst

Significance

Application of bifunctional catalysts in asymmetric synthesis has gained considerable interest over the last decade. The authors report a continuation of the group’s investigations into hetero- and homobismetallic catalysts using Schiff base ligands. In the 1,4-addition of β-keto esters to alkynones high selectivities were observed and the catalyst system was found to be robust in terms of exposure to air and moisture.

Review: S. Matsunaga, M. Shibasaki Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn. 2008, 81, 60-75.