(untitled) - Li, F; Widyan, K; Wingstrand, E; Moberg, C (Eur. J. Org. Chem., 2009)
A Lewis base catalyzed asymmetric acetylcyanation of α-keto esters was reported. Methyl benzoylformate and tert-butyl 2-oxobutanoate were reacted with acetyl cyanide in the presence of cinchonidine (S/C = 10) at –78 °C to –40 °C to afford the cyanated products in 66% and 82% ee, respectively. See: