Dynamic kinetic resolution with enantioselective borohydride reduction catalyzed by optically active β-ketoiminato cobalt(II) complexes: Highly diastereo- and enantioselective preparation of optically active anti-aldol compounds

Optically active anti-2-alkyl-3-hydroxy esters were stereo-selectively obtained from the corresponding 2-alkyl-3-keto esters using enantioselective borohydride reduction along with dynamic kinetic resolution in the presence of optically active β-ketoiminato cobalt complex catalysts. The reduction system provided an alternative preparation for anti-aldol compounds with high diastereo- and enantioselectivities.