A highly enantioselective direct Mannich-type reaction of aldimines with dialkyl malonates was developed with the use of a Mg (II)-BINOLate salt, which was designed as a cooperative acid base catalyst that can activate both aldimines and malonates. Optically active β- aminoesters and α-halo-β-aminoesters could be synthesized in high yields and with high enantioselectivities. This inexpensive and practical Mg (II)-BINOLate salt could be used in ...
