Highly stereoselective titanium-mediated addition of organocerium reagents to β-keto amides: an efficient synthesis of stereodefined β-hydroxy amides having a tertiary alcoholic fragment

A highly efficient and stereoselective protocol for the TiCl4-mediated addition of organocerium reagents to β-keto amides is now available. The method allows the introduction of a large variety of carbon frameworks, including primary, secondary and tertiary alkyl chains, as well as aromatic, alkynylic and benzylic moieties, in high yields and with high stereoselection.