Asymmetric Michael Additions of α-Nitrocyclohexanone to Aryl Nitroalkenes Catalyzed by Natural Amino Acid-Derived Bifunctional Thioureas

A series of new thiourea catalysts prepared from natural amino acids have been applied in organocatalytic asymmetric Michael additions of alpha-nitrocyclohexanone to nitroalkenes. The resulting addition products are formed with excellent enantioselectivities (up to an er of 98:2) in good yields (up to 90%).