Merging Organocatalysis with an Indium(III)-Mediated Process: A Stereoselective alpha-Alkylation of Aldehydes with Allylic Alcohols

Curiosity killed the CAT...ions! The use of stabilized cationic intermediates can be considered as a new frontier in the development of stereoselective reactions. An organocatalytic procedure mediated by the MacMillan imidazolidinone catalyst was coupled with an InBr3-mediated process for the development of a novel stereoselective allylation reaction of aldehydes. Up to 98 % ee and up to 5:1 d.r. were obtained in the process.