Highly enantioselective aldol reaction of acetone with β,γ-unsaturated α-keto esters promoted by simple chiral primary–tertiary diamine catalysts

A series of primary-tertiary diamine catalysts were successfully applied to promote the enantioselective aldol reaction of acetone with β,γ-unsaturated α-keto esters in excellent yields (up to 99%) and enantioselectivities (up to 96% ee).