Asymmetric Catalysis with CO2 : The Direct α-Allylation of Ketones

Quaternary stereocenters are found in numerous bioactive molecules. The Tsuji-Trost reaction has proven to be a powerful C-C bond forming process, and, at least in principle, should be well suited to access quaternary stereocenters via the α-allylation of ketones. However, while indirect approaches are known, the direct, catalytic asymmetric α-allylation of branched ketones has been elusive until today. By combining "enol catalysis" with the use of CO2 as a formal catalyst for asymmetric catalysis, we have now developed a solution to this problem: we report a direct, highly enantioselective and highly atom-economic Tsuji-Trost allylation of branched ketones with allylic alcohol. Our reaction delivers products bearing quaternary stereocenters with high enantioselectivity and water as the sole by-product. We expect our methodology to be of utility in asymmetric catalysis and inspire the design of other highly atom-economic transformations.