Organocatalytic Asymmetric Michael Addition of Ketones to α, β-Unsaturated Nitro Compounds

An organic catalyst “(R, R)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine(DPEN) derivative’’ was devel-oped as a chiral bifunctional organocatalyst and applied for asymmetric Michael additions of aromatic ketones to trans-β-nitroalkene compounds under neutral conditions. The isopropyl-subs-tituted thiourea catalyst in neutral condition provides high chemical yield and enantioselectivities (ee) (up to 96% yield, 98% ee).