[3 + 2] Carbocyclization reactions of linear α-ketoenamines with conjugated nitroolefins

Three linear α-ketoenamines were allowed to react with a series of cyclic and acyclic nitroolefins, to yield aminocyclopentene derivatives with high diastereoselectivity. The corresponding polysubstituted nitrocyclopentanones were obtained by hydrolysis, which also proceeded with a high degree of diastereoselectivity when the system was prochiral.