Application of l-prolinamides as highly efficient organocatalysts for the asymmetric Michael addition of unmodified aldehydes to nitroalkenes

The asymmetric Michael addition of aldehydes to nitroolefins was investigated using a combination of l-prolinamide derivatives and various acidic additives. (S)-1,1′-Bi-2-naphthol was found to be the most effective co-catalyst and afforded the nitroaldehyde products with excellent yields (up to 95%), enantiomeric excesses (up to 99%) and diastereoselectivity ratios (up to 99:1).

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