Effect of microwave heating in the asymmetric addition of dimethylzinc to aldehydes

Microwave-heated enantioselective additions of dimethylzinc to various aldehydes are reported. Dramatically reduced reaction times and lower catalyst loadings (5%), compared with conventionally used conditions, can be achieved, with excellent yields and just small loss of enantioselectivity (up to 83% enantioselectivity is achieved). In the reaction with aliphatic aldehydes the same enantioselectivity has been achieved for microwave-heated and conventional room temperature conditions.