Organocatalytic Michael addition of aldehydes to trisubstituted nitroolefins

The combination of O-TMS protected diphenyl-prolinol and benzoic acid was found to be effective to catalyze the Michael addition of aldehydes to 3-substituted 3-nitroacrylates. The reaction provided syn,anti-Michael adducts with good diastereoselectivity and excellent enantioselectivity. Some β-aryl and α-methyl substituted nitroolefins also worked under these conditions, although prolonging reaction time was required. These adducts could be used for assembling 2,3,4-trisubstituted pyrrolidines through simple hydrogenation.