The first catalytic asymmetric addition of dialkylzincs to alpha-ketoesters.

[formula: see text] The first catalytic, enantioselective addition of organoznic reagents to alpha-ketoesters is described. Modular bifunctional salen catalysts that contain Lewis acid and Lewis base activating groups accelerate the carbonyl addition to a much greater extent than the competing carbonyl reduction. alpha-Hydroxyesters containing new quaternary stereogenic centers are obtained in high yield and moderate enantiomeric excess. Enrichment to 98% ee can be effected by recrystallization of the corresponding alpha-hydroxy acid.