First Enantioselective Organocatalytic Addition of Nitromethylphenylsulfone to Enals. Enantioselective Synthesis of Cyclohexenones Bearing 3 Contiguousstereogeniccenters

Abstract

A highly enantioselectiveorganocatalyticnitromethylphenylsulfone addition to aliphatic alpha, beta-unsaturated aldehydes is reported. The reaction is catalyzed by simple and commercially available secondary amines, affording the cyclic compounds in moderate yields, good diastereoselectivities and excellent enantioselectivities.

Keywords

• cascade reaction
• enantioselective
• organocatalysis
• asymmetric synthesis
• secondary amine
• cyclization