Asymmetric cross aldol addition of isatins with α,β-unsaturated ketones catalyzed by a bifunctional Brønsted acid–Brønsted base organocatalyst

The asymmetric cross-aldol reaction of isatins with α,β-unsaturated ketones has been developed under catalysis by a Cinchona alkaloid-derivated bifunctional Brønsted acid–Brønsted base catalyst, affording the aldol adducts in moderate to good yields (18–98%) with moderate to good enantioselectivities (30–97%). The noncovalent organo-catalyzed asymmetric cross-aldol reaction displays a broad substrate scope and wide functional-group tolerability, albeit the electronic and steric properties of both reaction partners have considerable and regular effects on the reactivity and stereocontrol.