The asymmetric addition of malononitrile to α,β-unsaturated ketones catalyzed by RuCl2[(R,R)-DPEN](PPh3)2 as the precatalyst

Non-borohydride ruthenium complex, RuCl2[(R,R)-DPEN](PPh3)2 (1f), was demonstrated to catalyze asymmetric Michael addition of malononitrile to acyclic enones with weak bases. Michael addition of malononitrile to chalcone and analogues was promoted by combining CsOAc with CsOH in the presence of 1f and gave good yields and up to 82% ee.