Direct α‑Functionalization of Simple Aldehydes via Oxidative N‑Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysis

Abstract

A direct α-functionalization of simple aldehydes under <i>N</i>-Heterocyclic Carbene (NHC) catalysis and direct generation of ester enolate equivalents from nonfunctionalized aldehydes are disclosed. The catalysis involves selective enolate generation from an oxidatively generated NHC-bounded ester intermediate as a key step. The ester enolate intermediates undergo stereoselective reactions with enones and trifluoromethyl ketones