A New Multifunctional Heterobimetallic Asymmetric Catalyst for Michael Additions and Tandem Michael–Aldol Reactions

Two types of metal are essential for some reactions! The first efficient catalyst for asymmetric tandem Michael – aldol reactions is the heter-obimetallic complex 1, which is easily prepared from LiAlH4 and (R)- 2,2′-dihydroxy-1,1′-binaphthyl. The cascade reaction of diethyl methylmalonate, cyclopentenone, and 3-phenylpropanal affords the three-component adduct 2 in 64% yield and 91 % ee.