Diamine-Catalyzed Asymmetric Michael Additions of Aldehydes and Ketones to Nitrostyrene

Abstract

[reaction: see text] The direct Michael addition of aldehydes and ketones to nitrostyrene, catalyzed by N-i-Pr-2,2'-bipyrrolidine, is described. The desired 1,4-adducts are obtained in excellent yield with enantioselectivities up to 85% ee and dr up to 95:5 of the syn product.