Nickel complexes from α-amino amides as efficient catalysts for the enantioselective Et2Zn addition to benzaldehyde

Ni²⁺ complexes derived from simple α-amino amides catalyze very efficiently the addition of Et₂Zn to benzaldehyde, giving (S)-1-phenylethanol as the major isomer in most cases (94% yield, 97% ee for R=Bn). The nature of the substituent on the amide nitrogen atom seems to play a key role in determining the asymmetric induction observed.