Enantioselective organocatalytic diels aminations:: α-aminations of cyclic β-keto esters and β-keto lactones with cinchonidine and cinchonine

Catalytic enantioselective alpha-amination reactions of beta-keto esters and beta-keto lactones with dibenzyl azodicarboxylate are catalyzed by cinchona alkaloids, affording the products in up to 99% yield and 90% ee.