a Department of Process Research, Merck Research Laboratories, WYN-3, 466 Devon Park Drive, Wayne, PA 19087, USA b Department of Process Research, Merck Research Laboratories, PO Box 2000, Rahway, NJ 07065, USA
Abstract:
A highly stereoselective aldol reaction was observed on chromane carboxylate ester 1 via the corresponding diisopinocampheyl boron-enolate using commercially available (−)-DIP-Cl reagent. The aldol product 2c was obtained in 89% yield with 48 dr and 92% ee. Further studies indicate that stereoselective formation of the enolate and proper chiral ligand on boron are responsible for the exceptional diastereo- and enantioselectivity in the aldol reaction.