Enantioselective Michael Additions with Optically Active Co^{<scp>II</scp>}/Diamine Catalysts

Abstract

Optical inductions of up to 66% ee have been achieved in the Michael addition of methyl vinyl ketone to methyl 1-oxo-2-indanecarboxylate to give (R)-1. The catalyst used was Co(acac)2/(+)-(nn); nn = H2NCPhHCPhHNH2. Depending upon the conditions, the (S)-enantiomer can also be obtained. With the complex Co(acac)2[()-(nn)], (S)-1 is formed.