Catalytic Enantioselective Addition of Dialkylzinc Reagents to N ‐Acylpyridinium Salts

A pinch of salt: The first catalytic addition of dialkylzinc reagents to N-acylpyridinium salts with good yields and excellent enantioselectivities uses a copper–(S)-L complex as the catalyst. The versatility of the method is illustrated in the formal synthesis of the alkaloid (R)-coniine. Bn=benzyl, Tf=trifluoromethanesulfonyl.