Asymmetric direct aldol reaction of 1,2-diketones and ketones mediated by proline derivatives

The direct aldol reaction of 1,2-diketones and ketones mediated by proline derivatives yields the corresponding 2-hydroxy 1,4-diketones in high regioselectivity, diastereoselectivity and good enantioselectivity. This reaction provides an easy access to optically active tertiary alcohols, which are flanked by two carbonyl groups for further elaborations.

Proline derivative mediated cross aldol reaction of 1,2-diketones and ketones yields the corresponding 2-hydroxy 1,4-diketones in high regioselectivity, diastereoselectivity and good enantioselectivity.