Desymmetrization of 1,3-Diones by Catalytic Enantioselective Condensation with Hydrazine.

We present herein an unprecedented desymmetrization of meso 1,3-diones by enantioselective intermolecular condensation. Under the catalysis by a chiral phosphoric acid, a range of readily available 1,3-diones undergo reaction with hydrazines to produce cyclic and acyclic keto-hydrazones bearing an all-carbon quaternary center in high efficiency and enantioselectivity. These compounds are also highly versatile for the preparation of multifunctional building blocks and heterocycles in excellent stereoselectivity.