Enantioselective Michael addition of 3(2H)-furanones to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes catalyzed by a diphenylprolinol silyl ether

Enantioselective Michael addition of simple 3(2H)-furanones to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes has been described. The protocol provides a simple and efficient access to complex 3(2H)-furanones containing adjacent quaternary and tertiary stereocenters in high yields with moderate diastereoselectivities and excellent enantioselectivities.