A novel enantioselective alkylation and its application to the synthesis of an anticancer agent.

A novel enantioselective alkylation of double benzylic substrates with secondary electrophiles is reported. A simple norephedrine-based chiral ligand was synthesized that gives alkylation product in 95% yield and 95% ee. A unique water effect on the enantioselectivity was unveiled. Good to excellent ee values were obtained with a number of double benzylic substrates and secondary electrophiles. This novel reaction has been applied to the synthesis of a promising anticancer agent.