Ag(I)-Catalyzed Michael Additions of (beta)-Ketoesters to Nitroalkenes in Water: Remarkable Effect of Water as a Reaction Medium on Reaction Rates

AgOTf-PPh3 complex-catalyzed Michael additions of (beta)-ketoesters to nitroalkenes in water were performed. The system promotes the reaction efficiently only in water, and interestingly the reaction does not proceed well in organic solvents. In addition, this ­reaction system could be applied to catalytic asymmetric synthesis in water.