A new entry of nucleophiles in rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-addition reactions: addition of organozinc reagents for the synthesis of 2-aryl-4-piperidones.

A rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric 1,4-addition reaction has been applied to the synthesis of 2-aryl-4-piperidones. While other conventional nucleophiles fail, organozinc reagents have been successfully utilized for the construction of these useful compounds in very good yield and enantiomeric excess.