Catalytic, Asymmetric Michael Reactions of Cyclic Diketones with β,γ-Unsaturated α-Ketoesters

Newly synthesized cinchona alkaloid-derived pyrimidines function as effective asymmetric catalysts for the Michael reaction between cyclic diketones and beta,gamma-unsaturated alpha-ketoesters. The reactions of electrophiles with either aryl or alkyl gamma-substituents give 64-99% yields and 94-99% ee.