Chiral squaramides catalyzed diastereo- and enantioselective Michael addition of α-substituted isocyanoacetates to N-aryl maleimides

An efficient diastereo- and enantioselective Michael addition of α-substituted isocyanoacetates to N-aryl maleimides catalyzed by quinine or cyclohexane-1,2-diamine derived squaramide catalysts has been disclosed, affording the corresponding adducts in good yields (up to 99%), high diastereoselectivities (up to >20:1 dr) and good to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 94% ee) under mild conditions.