α-Hydroxy carboxylic acids as ligands for enantioselective diethylzinc additions to aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes

The first examples of the enantioselective titanium-mediated diethylzinc additions to aromatic and aliphatic aldehydes catalyzed by optically active α-hydroxy acids are presented. The reactions proceed with very good yield and good asymmetric induction. Enantioselectivities up to 90% are obtained depending on ligand and aldehyde used. A stereochemical model for the reaction is proposed.