Highly enantioselective asymmetric direct aldol reaction promoted by aziridine amides constructed on chiral terpene scaffold.

Optically pure, diastereomeric aziridine amides built on the chiral skeletons of camphor, fenchone, and menthone have proven to be highly efficient ligands for enantioselective asymmetric direct aldol reaction in the presence of water and zinc triflate. Desired products were formed in moderate to high chemical yields (up to 95%) and with enantiomeric excess up to 99%. The influence of the stereogenic centers located at the aziridine subunit on the stereochemical course of the reaction is discussed.