Organocatalytic and direct asymmetric vinylogous Michael addition of α,α-dicyanoolefins to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes

The first highly regio-, chemo-, diastereo- and enantioselective direct vinylogous Michael addition of alpha,alpha-dicyanoolefins to alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes is described, employing readily available chiral alpha,alpha-diarylprolinol salts as iminium organocatalysts.