Enantioselective Addition of Organozinc to Aldehydes and Ketones Catalyzed by Immobilized Chiral Ligands

Catalytic enantioselective addition of organozinc reagents to carbonyl groups is a valuable method for the synthesis of optically active alcohols. Such asymmetric organozinc additions allow the synthesis of chiral alcohols ubiquitous in the structures of natural and manmade compounds. Recent interest in green chemistry has led to active research in the immobilization of catalysts, and their application to asymmetric reactions. Besides simplifying compound separation and recycling, immobilized catalysts offer easier handling of toxic reagents, and convenient operation in continuous flow reactors. Thus, industrial applications of even expensive and complex chiral catalysts can be achieved in an economical and environmentally benign way.