Enantioselective Addition of Alkynes to α,α-Dichlorinated Aldehydes.

Enantioselective addition of terminal alkynes to α,α-dichlorinated aldehydes employing Zn(OTf)2/NME is disclosed. The propargylic alcohols obtained are accessed in good yields and high enantioselectivity from easily accessible α,α-dichloroaldehydes. The method opens new strategic opportunities for the synthesis of chlorinated natural products, such as the chlorosulfolipids.