Highly Enantioselective Michael Addition of Malononitrile to α,β-Unsaturated Ketones.

The highly enantioselective Michael addition of malononitrile to acyclic and cyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones has been developed. The Michael reaction catalyzed by a primary amine derived from quinidine proceeded smoothly and provided the desired adducts with excellent enantioselectivities (83–97% ee).