Asymmetric Mukaiyama Aldol Reaction Catalyzed by C2-Symmetric N,N′-Dioxide-Ni(II) Complex

The N,N′-dioxide-Ni(II) complex has been developed for the asymmetric Mukaiyama aldol reaction between glyoxal derivatives and enolsilane which produced the 2-hydroxy-1,4-dicarbonyl compounds in moderate to high yields (up to 95%) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 95% ee). Based on the configuration of the product and X-ray structure of the catalyst, a possible transition state was proposed to explain the mechanism of the reaction.