Enantioselective organocatalytic Michael addition of malonates to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes in water

The Michael addition of malonates to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes catalyzed by O-TMS protected diphenylprolinols and acetic acid in water occurs at 0 °C to rt. In most cases, the reaction runs to completion in less than 24 h. A wide range of aldehydes including β-aryl, β-alkyl and β-alkenyl acroleins are found to be compatible with these conditions, providing the corresponding adducts in good yields and with good to excellent enantioselectivities.