Catalytic Enantioselective C-C Bond-Forming Reactions of Deconjugated Butyrolactams: Michael Addition to α,β-Unsaturated Aldehydes and Ketones

Nucleophilic reactivity of deconjugated butyrolactams has been demonstrated for enantioselective Michael additions to alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes and ketones. These reactions are catalyzed by diphenylprolinol silyl ether and trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane-derived bifunctional primary aminothiourea, respectively, producing the Michael adducts with moderate diastereoselectivities and good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99:1 er). Unlike in the case of structurally related deconjugated butenolides where vinylogous addition is prevalent, an exclusive alpha-addition is observed for deconjugated butyrolactams.