Highly enantioselective Michael addition of malononitrile to α,β-unsaturated pyrazolamides catalyzed by a bifunctional thiourea

A new protocol for the organocatalytic asymmetric Michael addition of malononitrile to α,β-unsaturated pyrazolamides is reported. The Michael reaction proceeded smoothly in the presence of a bifunctional thiourea and provided the desired adducts in moderate to excellent yields (27–99%) and good to excellent enantioselectivities (80–95% ee).

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