Investigation of the Rh-Catalyzed Asymmetric Reductive Aldol Reaction. Expanded Scope Based on Reaction Analysis

Abstract
[reaction: see text] A series of experiments are described that suggest that the Rh-catalyzed reductive aldol reaction proceeds by addition of a Rh(I) hydride, generated in situ, to the reacting acrylate followed by a stereochemistry-controlling aldol addition reaction. On the basis of this hypothesis, reaction conditions are engineered that allow for increased substrate scope.