Alkylation and Nitro Aldol Reaction

The condensation reaction of (3-dicarbonyl compounds with a-haloketones to generate hydroxydihydrofuran is known as an interrupted Feist-Benary reaction. Calter et al. reported an enantioselective version of this reaction [26]. The aldol reaction of diketone with a-bromo-a-ketoester followed by cyclization proceeded in the presence of dimeric cinchona alkaloid catalyst to give cyclized product in high yield with high ee 

Enantioselective nitroaldol reaction (Henry reaction) of simple trifluoromethyl ketone was reported by Tur and Saa [27] (Table 8.7). Reaction of trifluoromethyl ketones with nitromethane in the presence of lanthanum (III) triflate salt complex and Proton Sponge (1) (0.25 equiv. each) gave tertiary nitroaldols in 50-93% yields with 

---