Catalytic asymmetric alkylation of ketones using organometallic reagents.

The catalytic asymmetric synthesis of tertiary alcohols by the addition of organometallic reagents to ketones is of central importance in organic chemistry. The resulting quaternary stereocentres are difficult to prepare selectively by other means despite their widespread occurrence in natural products and pharmaceuticals. Over the past few years, several seminal reports on the formation of chiral tertiary alcohols with excellent selectivities have appeared in the literature. This review records the major strategies and current status of the catalytic enantioselective synthesis of chiral tertiary alcohols using alkylation/ arylation reactions with highly reactive organometallic reagents derived from Zn, Al, Mg and Li.