Abstract 2-Hydroxy-2′-alkylthio-1, 1′-binaphthyl compounds are catalytic promoters of the 1, 4-addition of AlMe 3 to linear aliphatic enones in THF at− 40 to− 48 C in the presence of [Cu (MeCN) 4] BF 4. At ligand loadings of 5–20 mol%, enantioselectivities of 80–93% are realised for most substrates. To attain these values, the use of highly pure AlMe 3 is mandatory. The presence of methylalumoxane (MAO), derived by hydrolysis, leads to ...
