Enantioselective Grignard addition to nitroolefin

A novel synthesis of naproxen utilizing nitroaldol, 1,4-addition and Nef reaction is demonstrated where the desired S-enantiomer is achieved by resolution. Further to this first enantioselective 1,4-addition of Grignard reagent to nitroolefin is demonstrated to synthesize derivatives of naproxen.