Asymmetric conjugate addition of azide to α,β-unsaturated nitro compounds catalyzed by cinchona alkaloids

The cinchona alkaloid catalyzed asymmetric addition of azide to α,β-unsaturated nitro compounds giving optically active β-azido nitro compounds in high yields and with low enantioselectivity is presented. Subsequent modifications allow for the formation of chiral 1,2-diamines.