Organocatalytic Asymmetric Domino Michael/Acyl Transfer Reaction Between <i>α</i>‐Nitroketones and <i>in situ‐</i>Generated <i>ortho</i>‐Quinone Methides: Route to 2‐(1‐Arylethyl)phenols

Abstract

Abstract An organocatalytic asymmetric domino Michael/acyl transfer reaction between α ‐nitroketones and o ‐quinone methides is disclosed. o ‐Quinone methides are generated in situ from 2‐sulfonylmethylphenols in basic medium. With 10 mol% of bifunctional squaramide catalyst, high yields and excellent enantioselectivities are achieved for a variety of O‐acyl 2‐(1‐arylethyl)phenols under mild reaction condition. magnified image