The In-mediated allylation of carbonyl compounds can be performed in various types of solvents including ionic liquids. However, we have found that in [bmim][BF₄] (where bmim = 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium), the In-mediated coupling of crotyl bromide with benzaldehyde gives a complex mixture, and some additives, such as halides and amines, are crucial for the successful conversion to the corresponding γ-adduct. Instead, the addition of alcohols or water promotes the formation of the α-adduct. An asymmetric induction with up to 62% enantiomeric excess (ee) was observed employing cinchonidine as an additive in a binary solvent consisting of an ionic liquid and dichloromethane.
Keywords: allylation; carbonyl compounds; homoallylic alcohols; indium; ionic liquids.