Catalytic Asymmetric Vinylation and Dienylation of Ketones

Significance

This method is the first example of highly enantioselective catalytic alkenylation of ­ketones. The reaction allows the introduction of alkenyl and dienyl moieties, starting from terminal alkynes and enynes generated via a hydrozirconation reaction. As expected for organozinc derivatives, a good tolerance of functional groups is observed. In most examples, good yields and >90% ee were achieved, usually with 10% catalyst loading. Aryl­alkyl and dialkyl ketones, enones and ynones can be successfully involved in the reaction.