Enantioselective alkynylation of carbonyl compounds with trimethoxysilylalkynes catalyzed by lithium binaphtholate

Enantioselective alkynylation of aldehydes and ketones was accomplished using trimethoxysilylalkynes as alkynylating reagents and lithium 3,3′-diphenylbinaphtholate as a catalyst. Optically active propargylic alcohols were obtained in good to high chemical yields and enantioselectivities. Alkynylation of acetylpyridines afforded biologically active pyridyl propargylic alcohols in good enantioselectivities.