Asymmetric Michael Addition of γ,γ-Disubstituted α,β-Unsaturated Aldehydes to Nitroolefins via Dienamine Catalysis

The first chemo- and alpha-regioselective asymmetric Michael addition of gamma,gamma-disubstituted alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes to nitroolefins has been presented in excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities (dr up to >99:1, 93-96% ee) via dienamine catalysis. The Michael adducts have been efficiently converted to a number of optically pure cyclic frameworks with versatile scaffold diversity.