Asymmetric synthesis of α-chiral dihydrocinnamates by catalytic reductive aldol coupling and subsequent dehydroxylation

Optically active dihydrocinnamate derivatives bearing the chiral carbon center at α-position were synthesized by Rh(Phebox)-catalyzed asymmetric reductive aldol coupling reaction with substituted cinnamates and benzaldehyde derivatives and subsequent dehydroxylation reaction.