Organocatalytic Asymmetric Domino Michael/Acyl Transfer Reaction between γ/δ-Hydroxyenones and α‑Nitroketones

An organocatalytic asymmetric domino Michael/acyl transfer reaction has been developed between γ/δ-hydroxyenones and α-nitroketones. Cinchona alkaloid derived bifunctional amino-squaramide catalysts were found to be the best catalysts for this reaction. The products having nitro, keto, and ester functionalities were obtained in high yields and with excellent enantioselectivities, and also a few synthetic transformations have been demonstrated.