Chiral Phebox–rhodium complexes as catalysts for asymmetric direct aldol reaction

Chiral bis(oxazolinyl)phenyl–rhodium complexes act as catalysts in the combination of AgOTf for direct aldol reaction of ketones and aromatic aldehydes to give the corresponding β-hydroxyketones in high anti-selectivity and a good to high enantioselectivity up to 91% ee.