Stereoselective Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Nitrocyclopropanes via Organocatalyic Conjugate Addition to Nitroalkenes

A convenient and novel one-pot organocatalytic methodology
for the stereoselective synthesis of highly functionalized
nitrocyclopropanes is reported. The addition of dimethyl
chloromalonate to a variety of nitroolefins catalyzed by
tertiary amines leads to a Michael adduct which cyclizes to
form the cyclopropane in the presence of DBU under
carefully controlled reaction conditions with outstanding
diastereoselectivity.