Asymmetric allylation of aldehydes with chiral platinum phosphinite complexes

Platinum phosphinite complexes made from chiral diols catalyze the enantioselective allylation of cinnamaldehyde. This reaction proceeds with better yields at shorter reaction times in the presence of acetic acid. Enantiomeric excesses were greater when reactions were carried out with phosphinite ligands having hydrogen bond donors or acceptors.