Direct Enantioselective and Regioselective Alkylation of β,γ-Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids with Chiral Lithium Amides as Traceless Auxiliaries

Efficient asymmetric alkylation of β,γ-unsaturated carboxylic acids without prior functionalization is enabled by chiral lithium amides. Enantioselectivity is imparted by a putative mixed lithium amide–enediolate aggregate that acts a traceless auxiliary formed in situ, allowing for a direct asymmetric alkylation and a simple recovery of the chiral reagent.