Highly enantioselective Michael addition of 2-alkoxyphenyl esters of α-substituted β-keto acids to non-prochiral α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds catalyzed by sodium 2′-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]-1,1′-binaphthalen-2-oxide

The enantioselective Michael addition of 2-alkoxyphenyl esters of α-substituted β-keto acids to non-prochiral α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds catalyzed by 5–10 mol % of sodium 2′-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]-1,1′-binaphthalen-2-oxide afforded the desired adducts in high yields with up to 97% ee.