Highly enantioselective Michael addition of 3-arylthio- and 3-alkylthiooxindoles to nitroolefins catalyzed by a simple cinchona alkaloid derived phosphoramide†
Abstract
A new cinchona alkaloid derived bifunctional tertiary amine-phosphoramide C1e is identified as a highly enantioselective catalyst for Michael addition of both unprotected 3-arylthio- and 3-alkylthiooxindoles to nitroolefins. The phosphoramide moiety of C1e plays an indispensable role in this reaction.