Allylation and crotylation of ketones and aldehydes using potassium organotrifluoroborate salts under Lewis acid and montmorillonite K10 catalyzed conditions.

Two convenient highly diastereoselective protocols for the allylation and crotylation of ketones using practical, air- and water-stable potassium allyl and crotyltrifluoroborate salts have been developed. BF(3).OEt(2) and montmorillonite clay are used as catalysts to promote additions. The montmorillonite-catalyzed method in particular is very robust, providing a straightforward and scalable method for the allylation and crotylation of a range of ketones and aldehydes.