High enantioselective Michael addition of malonates to β,γ-unsaturated α-ketoesters catalyzed by bifunctional thioureas

A highly enantioselective Michael addition of malonates to β,γ-unsaturated α-ketoesters was achieved using cinchona alkaloid-derived thioureas as the bifunctional catalyst. The corresponding Michael addition products were obtained in excellent yields (90–99%) and ee values (up to >99% ee) using a quinidine-derived thiourea as the catalyst under neat conditions. The opposite enantiomer may be obtained using a quinine- or cinchonidine-derived thiourea as the catalyst.