Organocatalyzed Asymmetric Aldol Reactions of Ketones and β,γ‑Unsaturated α‑Ketoesters and Phenylglyoxal Hydrates

Enantioselective aldol reactions of acetophenone with β,γ-unsaturated α-ketoesters and cyclic ketones with phenylglyoxal hydrates were realized with cinchona alkaloid-derived thiourea catalysts. The corresponding aldol products were obtained in high yields and good to excellent diastereoselectivities and enantioselectivities (up to 95% ee).