Catalytic direct asymmetric Michael reactions: Taming naked aldehyde donors

[GRAPHICS] Direct catalytic enantio- and diastereoselective Michael addition reactions of unmodified aldehydes to nitro olefins using (S)-2-(morpholinomethyl)-pyrrolidine as a catalyst are described. The reactions proceed in good yield (up to 96%) in a highly syn-selective manner (up to 98:2) with enantloselectivities approaching 80%. The resulting gamma -formyl nitro compounds are readily converted to chiral, nonracemic 3,4-disubstituted pyrrolidines.