Enantioselective Copper-Catalyzed Conjugate Addition of Trimethylaluminum to [beta],[gamma]-Unsaturated [alpha]-Ketoamides: Efficient Access to [gamma]-Methyl-Substituted Carbonyl Compounds

Picture perfect: By using the reagent trimethylaluminium and [beta],γ-unsaturated α-ketoamides, 1,4-adducts were obtained with perfect 1,4-regioselectivity and good to excellent yields and eevalues. The potential synthetic utility of the methodology was highlighted by preparation of γ-methyl-substituted carbonyls, key synthons to many natural products. binap=2,2'-bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1'-binaphthyl, TC=thiophene carboxylate.