Enantioselective Michael addition reactions in water using a DNA-based catalyst

Enantioselective Michael addition reactions of malononitrile and cyanoesters to α,β-unsaturated 2-acylimidazoles can be achieved in water using a DNA-based catalyst consisting of double-stranded DNA and copper(II) complex. Quantitative conversions and good enantioselectivities (up to 84% ee) are obtained for a wide range of substrates. The UV–vis absorption and circular dichroism (CD) indicate that the copper(II) complex may interact with salmon testes DNA via minor groove binding.