Direct-type vinylogous Mukaiyama–Michael addition reactions involving pyrrolinone donors

The direct Mukaiyama–Michael addition of vinylogous tetramate donors to a number of different Michael acceptors has been easily executed, by employing the TMSOTf/Et3N mixture as soft Lewis acid/base promoter agent. Richly functionalized, highly manipulable γ-substituted pyrrolinone products were practically synthesized in acceptable to excellent yields, and with diastereoselectivities heavily relying upon the substituent at the nitrogen atom of the pyrrolinone donor.