Asymmetric Michael addition reactions of nitroalkanes to 2-furanones catalyzed by bifunctional thiourea catalysts†
Abstract
The first bifunctional thiourea catalyzed asymmetric Michael addition reactions of nitroalkanes to 2-furanones are described. The highly functionalized γ-lactones with two or three consecutive stereogenic carbons were obtained in high yields (up to 99%), high diastereoselectivities (up to >20 : 1 dr) and enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee).