Organocatalytic Michael Reaction of Nitroenamine Derivatives with Aldehydes: Short and Efficient Asymmetric Synthesis of (-)-Oseltamivir

Nitroenamine derivatives were used as a new class of Michael acceptors in the organocatalytic Michael reaction of aldehydes. The addition products were obtained in good yields and very good to excellent enantioselectivities. Moreover, a highly efficient, enantioselective, and simple synthesis of (-)-oseltamivir was accomplished in only five steps: two separate one-pot operations and one purification step. This procedural simplicity demonstrated the power of the organocatalytic asymmetric Michael reaction of nitroenamine acceptors with aldehydes.