Organocatalytic asymmetric aza-Michael addition of aniline to chalcones under solvent-free conditions

The first enantioselective Michael addition of aniline to chalcones was promoted by cheap and commercially available chincona alkaloids under solvent-free conditions. Variously substituted chalcones were examined as substrates giving the conjugate adducts in moderate to good enantioselectivity. The simple experimental procedure had no work-up and short reaction times, which are the notable advantages. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.