Conjugate Addition and Subsequent Enolate Trapping with Electrophiles

Significance

Asymmetric conjugate addition is one of the most powerful methods for C-C bond formation at the β-carbon. The potential exists for further elaboration at the α-carbon by in situ trapping of the metal enolate with electrophiles. The authors describe trapping of poorly reactive zinc enolates with activated electrophiles giving good to high yields and trans/cis products with excellent enantioselectivity.