Catalytic direct asymmetric Michael reactions: Addition of unmodified ketone and aldehyde donors to alkylidene malonates and nitro olefins

The Michael additions of a number of ketones and aldehydes to alkylidene malonates and nitro olefins were studied. The reactions employ small organic molecules as catalyst under mild reaction conditions and do not require preactivation of the carbonyl donors. These reactions afforded a variety of highly functionalized products in good yields with moderate to good enantioselectivity.