Synthesis of new pyridyl alcohols and their use as catalysts in the asymmetric addition of diethylzinc to aldehydes

Optically active new pyridyl alcohols 1-4, which can be easily synthesized by the reaction of (+)-camphor or (-)-menthone with lithiated pyridine derivatives, were applied as chiral ligands in the asymmetric addition of diethylzinc to aldehydes. Good yields with up to 94.0% enantiomeric excesses were observed in these reactions.Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technolog