Enantioselective Aldol Reaction of α‐Ketoester and Cyclopentaone Catalyzed by L‐Proline

Abstract A concise and enantioselective synthesis of (S)‐ethyl 2‐cyclopentyl‐2‐hydroxy‐2‐arylacetate, a key intermediate for the muscarinic receptor, is reported. The tertiary stereogenic center was constructed with good stereoselectivity through the L‐proline‐catalyzed direct asymmetric aldol reaction of ethyl arylglyoxylate and cyclopentanone. The carbonyl of the condensation product was reduced using a modified Clemmensen reaction which provided an easier workup and was more environmentally acceptable. The enantioselectivity of the aldol reactions was between 58.3%–93.2%, which means that the stereoselective is efficient in controlling configuration of reaction product.