Efficient asymmetric Michael reaction of 2-oxindole-3-carboxylate esters with maleimides catalyzed by cinchonidine

A highly efficient enantioselective Michael reaction of 2-oxindole-3-carboxylate esters with N-maleimides catalyzed by commercially available cinchonidine was described. The desired adducts, containing a quaternary center at the C3-position and a vicinal tertiary center, were obtained in excellent yields (up to 99%), good enantioselectivities (up to 85% ee), and diastereoselectivities (dr>90:10) in the presence of 0.05–5 mol % catalyst loading.

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