Direct asymmetric aldol condensation catalyzed by aziridine semicarbazide zinc(II) complexes

Previously obtained semicarbazides derived from N-triphenylmethyl-aziridine-2-carbohydrazide were explored as ligands in Zn(II) catalyzed diastereo- and enantioselective direct aldol reactions. Complexes of aziridine-semicarbazides with Zn(II) were efficient catalysts in reactions of acetone and hydroxyacetone with NO₂-substituted aromatic aldehydes in the presence of water.