Enantioselective synthesis of 2-substituted pyrrolidines via domino cross metathesis/intramolecular aza-Michael addition

A highly enantioselective intramolecular aza-Michael addition with enone carbamates catalyzed by chiral Bronsted acids was developed. A domino cross metathesis/aza-Michael addition for the preparation of 2-substituted pyrrolidines or benzopyrrolidines was also explored. The reactions described here provide an efficient asymmetric protocol for enantio-enriched heterocycles, especially 2-substituted pyrrolidines.