Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of Nitromethane to Enones Catalyzed by Chiral N,N′-Dioxide–Scandium(III) Complexes

摘要

Chalk it up as a “Sc”andal: The asymmetric conjugate addition of chalcone and “cinnamone” derivatives to nitromethane has been realized by using a simple and efficient scandium(III)–N,N′-dioxide complex as the catalyst (see scheme). In the presence of 2–5 mol % catalyst loading, the corresponding products were formed in excellent yields (up to 99 %) and enantioselectivities (up to99 % ee).