Highly Enantioselective Direct Michael Addition of Nitroalkanes to Nitroalkenes Catalyzed by Amine-Thiourea Bearing Multiple Hydrogen-Bonding Donors

A highly diastereoselective and enantioselective Michael addition of nitroalkanes to nitroalkenes has been achieved by chiral bifunctional amine-thiourea catalyst bearing multiple hydrogen-bonding donors. This catalytic system performs well over a broad scope of substrates, furnishing various 1,3-dinitro compounds in high diastereoselectivity (up to 98:2) and excellent enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee) under mild conditions. Multiple hydrogen bonding donors play a significant role in. accelerating reactions, improving diastereoselectivities and enantioselectivities.