Organocatalytic Asymmetric Vinylogous Michael Addition of Electron-Deficient Aryl Alkane Nucleophiles to Enals

J Org Chem. 2023 Dec 15;88(24):16773-16782. doi: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c01232. Epub 2023 Nov 28.

Abstract

We report herein a protocol for an organocatalyzed asymmetric vinylogous Michael addition of aryl alkane nucleophiles with enals under base- and additive-free conditions. A series of allylic building blocks were obtained in 60%-93% yield and 88-99% ee with 20 mol % diphenylprolinol silyl ether as catalyst. This protocol has advantages such as excellent chemoselectivity and regioselectivity, good tolerance of functionalities, and simple reaction conditions.