Highly enantioselective Michael addition of α,α-disubstituted aldehydes to nitroolefins.

A highly enantioselective Michael addition reaction of α,α-disubstituted aldehydes to β-nitrostyrenes has been developed. In the presence of rosin-based chiral primary amine-thiourea, γ-nitroaldehydes were afforded in excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99 % ee) with up to 99 % yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]