Catalytic Enantioselective Aldol‐type Reaction of β‐Ketosters with Acetals

Two activations, one catalyst: By using cationic Pd and Pt complexes, a catalytic enantioselective aldol-type reaction of β-ketoesters with acetals has been developed (see scheme). The formation of metal enolates occurs under acidic conditions to allow the use of acetals as electrophiles to give the desired aldol products in high diastereoseletivity and enantioselectivity.