The asymmetric ortho lithiation of benzaldehyde chromiumtricarbonyl co
mplex is performed by in situ temporary protection of the aldehyde fun
ctionality with a chiral amide and BuLi as metallating agent. Reaction
with an electrophile followed by acidic hydrolysis leeds to the enant
iomerically enriched ortho substituted benzaldehyde chromiumtricarbony
l complex.