Asymmetric Hydrocyanation of α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones into β‐Cyano Ketones with the [Ru(phgly)2(binap)]/C6H5OLi Catalyst System

Enantioselective conjugate addition of HCN to α,β-unsaturated ketones catalyzed by the combined system of [Ru{(S)-phgly}2{(S)-binap}] and C6H5OLi has afforded β-cyano ketones in high yield (see scheme). No detectable amount of the corresponding 1,2-adduct was produced and tert-C4H9OCH3 was the solvent of choice. The cyanation was conducted with a substrate-to-catalyst molar ratio in the range of 200:1–1000:1 at −20–0 °C. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as "Supporting Information". Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.