Catalytic Enantioselective Conjugate Reduction of Lactones and Lactams

Abstract

A dramatic acceleration of the enantioselective copper-catalyzed conjugate reduction of alpha,beta-unsaturated lactones, lactams, and esters is reported upon addition of alcohol additives. Good to excellent yields and enantioselectivities were realized using a catalyst generated in situ from CuCl(2).H(2)O, t-BuONa, p-tol-BINAP, and PMHS, and this methodology was applied to the synthesis of (-)-Paroxetine.