Asymmetric induction Cornforth model

If it is assumed that the Curtin-Hammett principle applies, one need only to compare the energies of the minima on the solid and dashed curves to be able to predict the structure of the major product. These curves also allow a direct comparison of Cram s, Cornforth s, Karabatsos s and Felkin s model for 1,2 asymmetric induction. Both Figures show the Felkin transition states lying close to the minima. The Corn-forth transition states (Fig. 3) are more than 4 kcal/mol higher and should contribute little to the formation of the final products assuming a Boltzmann distribution for the transition states, less than one molecule, out of a thousand, goes through them. Similarly, Fig. 4 shows the Cram and Karabatsos transition states to lie more than 2.7 kcal/mol above the Felkin transition states, which means that they account for less than 1% of the total yield. 

A DFT study of enolborane addition of o -heteroatom-substituted aldehydes has focused on the relevance of the Cornforth and polar Felkin-Anh (PKA) models for asymmetric induction.154 Using chiral substrates, MeCH(X)CHO, polar (X = F, Cl, (g) OMe) and less polar (X = SMe, NMe2, PMe2) substituents have been examined. The former favour Cornforth TS structures, the latter PKA. TS preferences have been correlated with the relative energy of the corresponding rotamer of the uncomplexed aldehyde. An in-depth study of addition of ( > and (Z)-enolborane nucleophiles to 2-methoxypropanal successfully predicts experimentally determined diastereofacial selectivities. 

The Evans electrostatic model for 1,2-asymmetric induction incorporates Dunitz-Biirgi attack and torsional effects into the Cornforth model ... 

Discuss the factors behind selection of the reactive conformation in the Felkin-Ahn model for conversion of 53 to 54. How would Cornforth have rationalized this stereochemical result [For an interesting system where the Cornforth and Felkin-Ahn models predict different stereochemical results see Evans, D. A. Siska, S. J. Cee, V. J. Resurrecting the Cornforth Model for Carbonyl Addition Studies on the Origin of 1,2-Asymmetric Induction in Enolate Additions to Heteroatom-Substituted Aldehydes Andrew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2003, 42, 1761-1765] (CJH-5)... 

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