Asymmetric Henry reaction catalyzed by bifunctional copper-based catalysts.

A new bifunctional copper-based catalytic system has been developed from readily available salen ligand 7 together with Cu(OAc)(2).H(2)O in situ for asymmetric nitro-aldol reactions between nitromethane and aldehydes, affording corresponding adducts with moderate to good yields and enantioselectivities. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.