Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of Organocopper Reagents

Abstract

Asymmetric conjugate addition reactions of organocopper reagents are reviewed in according to the classification of diastereoselective and enantioselective reactions. Chiral auxiliaries have been used as an intramolecular stereocontrolling unit for the substrate and as an external chiral ligand of the copper and lithium or magnesium atoms, respectively. In both approaches, excellent stereoselectivity has been realized. It is noteworthy that high enantiofacial selection has been obtained in a catalytic asymmetric reaction which is controlled by a catalytic amount of chiral auxiliaries.