Silver(I)-catalyzed asymmetric Mukaiyama aldol reaction.

Cationic Ag(I)-BINAP complex has been shown to be an effective catalyst for Mukaiyama aldol reaction between aldehyde and silyl enol ether derivatives. AgPF6-BINAP is very active in this reaction and can achieve high enantiomeric excess under mild conditions. Addition of a small amount of water enhanced the reactivity to suggest the contribution of enolate anion intermediate. AgOAc-BINAP, which in noncationic species, showed an extraordinary high activity although %ee was low.