Highly enantioselective direct conjugate addition of ketones to nitroalkenes promoted by a chiral primary amine-thiourea catalyst.

Primary amine-thiourea derivative 1 is an active and highly enantioselective catalyst for the conjugate addition of ketones to nitroalkenes. Broad substrate scope is described, with nitroalkenes bearing either aromatic or aliphatic substituents and a wide variety of ketones shown to be useful reacting partners. Ethyl ketones react preferentially, generating anti products with methyl-bearing stereocenters with good-to-excellent diastereoselectivity. An enamine mechanism is indicated, with cooperative activation of the electrophile by the thiourea and of the ketone by the primary amine.