Catalytic enantioselective alkylation of aldehydes by using organozinc halide reagents.

Functionalized alkylzinc halides can be employed in the enantioselective addition to aldehydes by using a titanium(IV) catalyst derived from a H(8)-binaphthol derivative in the presence of [Ti(OiPr)(4)] and MgBr(2). A range of functionalities, including olefin, chlorine atoms, protected alcohols, amides, and cyano groups, are tolerated in the present reaction, providing the corresponding functionalized alcohols in high yields and enantioselectivities (see scheme).