Planar and central chiral [2.2]paracyclophane-based N,O-ligands as highly active catalysts in the diethylzinc addition to aldehydes.

The application of planar and central chiral [2.2]paracyclophane-based N,O-ligands in asymmetric diethylzinc additions to various aldehydes is described revealing an unusual substrate spectrum for the catalysts and their remarkably high activity.