Organocatalytic Difficult Michael Reaction of Ketones with Nitrodienes Utilizing a Primary Amine-Thiourea Based on Di-tert-butyl Aspartate

The primary amine-thiourea based on di-tert-butyl (S)aspartate and (1R,2R)-1,2-diphenylethylene-1,2-diamine has been successfully employed in the difficult Michael reaction between aromatic ketones or acetone with nitrodienes. The high stability and reactivity of the catalyst led to improved reaction conditions. Thus, the desired products were obtained in high to excellent yields (up to 100%) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99%) even at elevated temperatures.