Catalytic Formation of Silyl Enol Ethers and Its Applications for Aldol-Type Condensation and Aminomethylation Reactions

A new catalytic method for the synthesis of silyl enol ethers has been developed from the coupling reaction of ketones with CH₂CHSiMe₃ by using a ruthenium hydride catalyst (PCy₃)₂(CO)RuHCl. The synthetic utility of silyl enol ethers was demonstrated for both Mukaiyama aldol condensation and aminomethylation reactions in forming β-hydroxyketones and β-aminoketones, respectively.