Enantioselective allylation of aldehydes with allyltrichlorosilane promoted by new chiral dipyridylmethane N-oxides

New chiral dipyridine N-monoxides and N,N′-dioxides, which possess an isopropylidene backbone between two pyridine rings, have been prepared from naturally occurring monoterpenes. Their utility as organocatalysts has been demonstrated in the enantioselective addition of allyltrichlorosilane to aldehydes. Enantioselectivities up to 85% ee have been obtained.