Asymmetric hydrocyanation of α,β-unsaturated ketones into β-cyano ketones with the [Ru(phgly)2(binap)]/C6H 5OLi catalyst system

Abstract

Enantioselective conjugate addition of HCN to α,β-unsaturated ketones catalyzed by the combined system of [Ru{(S)-phgly}2{(S)- binap}] and C6H5OLi has afforded β-cyano ketones in high yield (see scheme). No detectable amount of the corresponding 1,2-adduct was produced and tert-C4H9OCH3 was the solvent of choice. The cyanation was conducted with a substrate-to-catalyst molar ratio in the range of 200:1-1000:1 at -20-0°C. Copyright © 2011 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.