Development of a Strategy for Linear-Selective Cu-Catalyzed Reductive Coupling of Ketones and Allenes for the Synthesis of Chiral γ-Hydroxyaldehyde Equivalents.

We report the development of a stereoselective method for the allylation of ketones utilizing N-substituted allyl equivalents generated from a chiral allenamide. By choice of the appropriate ligand for the Cu-catalyst, high linear selectivity can be obtained with good diastereocontrol. This methodology allows access to chiral γ-hydroxyaldehyde equivalents that were applied in the synthesis of chiral γ-lactones and 2,5-disubstitued tetrahydrofurans.