Novel heterobimetallic asymmetric catalysis directing toward enzymatic function

A unique feature of multifunctional asymmetric catalysts is described. Cata lytic asymmetric Michael reaction of cyclic enones with Horner-Wadsworth-Em mons reagents proceeds efficiently by use of an aluminum-lithium-BINOL comp lex that is activated by an addition of alkali metal reagent. In addition, rare earth-3-hydroxymethyl-BINOL complexes promote asymmetric epoxidation o f cis-enones to afford cis-epoxyketones. Both of these types of reactions a re believed to be realized by a synergistic cooperation of two different me tals in the complexes. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.