Enantioselective nitro-Michael reactions catalyzed by short peptides on water

Abstract

Simple unmodified N-proline-based di- and tripeptides in combination with sodium hydroxide additive catalyze the asymmetric Michael reaction of ketones with nitroolefins to furnish the corresponding gamma-nitroketones with up to 99% yield, 99:1 dr and 70% ee at room temperature and on water without any organic cosolvent.