In- or In(I)-employed tailoring of the stereogenic centers in the Reformatsky-type reactions of simple ketones, alpha-alkoxy ketones, and beta-keto esters.

[reactions: see text] Comprehensive studies were carried out on efficient In- or In(I)-based diastereoselective Reformatsky-type reactions of simple ketones, alpha-alkoxy ketones, and beta-keto esters. High anti selectivity was established in the addition of the branched alpha-halo ester derivatives to simple ketones using indium metal under THF-refluxing conditions. The stereochemistry undoubtedly indicated that the involvement of a cyclic transition state, formed from the ketone and stereochemically preferred transient E-enolate derived from the branched alpha-halo ester. Next, with the view of tailoring high degree of stereoselection, the concept of chelation-controlled addition of indium enolates was envisioned. In this line, marvelously syn selective additions to alpha-alkoxy ketones and beta-keto esters were established. Interestingly, these diastereoselective additions to alpha-alkoxy ketones and beta-keto esters require either In(I)X or In-InCl3 systems in toluene under ultrasonication, while very poor efficiency and diastereoselectivity were obtained using indium metal or THF as solvent. The stereochemistry of key products was unambiguously determined by the single-crystal X-ray structure analyses. On the basis of the observed astonishing diastereoselectivities due to strong chelation plausibly, a low-valent RIn(I)-type transient spices could be projected as very reactive spices in the Reformatsky-type reactions.