A catalytic asymmetric anti-selective nitroaldol reaction with a neodymium-sodium heterobimetallic complex

A catalytic asymmetric anti-selective nitroaldol reaction with a neodymium-sodium heterobimetallic catalyst is described. A readily accessible amide ligand works efficiently as a chiral platform for the Nd/Na heterobimetallic catalyst in the reaction of various aldehydes and nitroethane, affording anti-1,2-nitro alkanols in good diastereo- and enantioselectivity. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.