Enantioselective addition of carbon acids to α-nitroalkenes: the first asymmetric aminocatalytic reaction in liquefied carbon dioxide

Carbon acids, in particular malonates, malononitrile, and anthranone, react enantioselectively with α-nitroalkenes in the presence of Takemoto’s organocatalyst in liquid carbon dioxide medium (100 bar, rt), under homogeneous conditions, to afford the corresponding Michael adducts in moderate to high yields and with enantioselectivities comparable with those obtained in organic solvents.