Squaramide-catalyzed enantioselective Michael addition of malononitrile to chalcones

Org Biomol Chem. 2012 Jan 14;10(2):332-8. doi: 10.1039/c1ob06302b. Epub 2011 Nov 9.

Abstract

A highly enantioselective Michael addition of malononitrile to chalcones catalyzed by a chiral quinine-derived squaramide catalyst has been developed. This organocatalytic reaction at a very low catalyst loading (0.5 mol%) led to chiral γ-cyano carbonyl compounds in good yields with high enantioselectivities (up to 96% ee) under mild reaction conditions.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amides / chemistry*
  • Catalysis
  • Chalcones / chemical synthesis*
  • Chalcones / chemistry
  • Molecular Structure
  • Nitriles / chemistry*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Amides
  • Chalcones
  • Nitriles
  • dicyanmethane