ChemInform Abstract: Direct Catalytic Asymmetric Addition of Allylic Cyanides to Aldehydes for Expeditious Access to Enantioenriched Unsaturated δ‐Valerolactones.

The title reaction, promoted by a soft Lewis acid/hard Broensted base cooperative catalyst, affords homoallylic alcohols with a Z‐configured α,β‐unsaturated nitrile from aromatic aldehydes with electron‐donating substituents, allowing for rapid access to unsaturated γ‐valerolactones like (VIII), which is a key intermediate in the synthesis of fostriecin.