Enantiomeric scaffolding of α-tetralone and related scaffolds by EKR (Enzymatic Kinetic Resolution) and stereoselective ketoreduction with ketoreductases
Form with formalin: Scandium‐catalyzed enantioselective hydroxymethylation of ketones has been developed usingaqueousformaldehyde (formalin) in water. The addition of a catalytic amount of pyridine enables the use of ketones directly in asymmetric hydroxymethylation reactions.
Efficient recycling of catalyst-solvent couples was showcased in enantioselective Lewis acid-catalyzedreactions that were run in highly Lewis basic environments in which there is a greater risk of metal leaching. The success is attributed to a bioinspired approach to heterogenize microhydrated chiral Lewis acids within appropriate hydrophobic cavities, thereby decreasing catalyst deactivation and