Primary β-amino acid salt-catalyzed asymmetric Michael addition of benzoylacetates to cyclic enones and its application for the synthesis of enantioenriched 1,5-diketones

Article abstract of DOI:10.1246/cl.2013.180

The asymmetric Michael addition of benzoylacetates to cyclic enones was successfully carried out by using a primary β-amino acid salt catalyst. The reactions proceeded under mild reaction conditions to produce Michael adducts in high yields and with high enantioselectivities. The obtained Michael adducts were converted into β-benzoylmethylated cyclic ketones by decarboxylation without a significant loss of enantiomeric excess.