Development and Application of α-Heteroatom Ketones in Asymmetric Michael Reaction with β-trans-Nitroalkenes

The successful design and application of a new type of N-phenyl-imidazole-modified alpha-heteroatom ketones in asymmetric anti-selective Michael reactions with beta-trans-nitroalkenes is reported: High yields and enantioselectivities could be obtained, and the corresponding conjugate adducts could be further transformed into related chiral esters and cyclopropane derivatives with excellent enantioselectivities.