C2 symmetrical nickel complexes derived from α-amino amides as efficient catalysts for the enantioselective addition of dialkylzinc reagents to aldehydes

A series of C2 symmetrical 1:2 Ni:L complexes derived from α-amino amides were studied for the enantioselective addition of dialkylzinc reagents to aldehydes. Different structural elements on the ligands seem to play an important role in determining the observed enantioselectivity. Through optimization of structure and reaction conditions, the best ligand provided secondary alcohols in excellent yields (up to 98%) and enantioselectivity of up to 99% ee for (R)-enantiomer. A transition state model has been proposed to explain the observed enantioselectivities based on computational calculations at the DFT level. Very interestingly, calculations suggest a coordination model of the aldehyde to the metal complex through association of a lone pair of the carbonyl oxygen to the hydrogen atom of an amino group.