Chiral amines as organocatalysts for asymmetric conjugate addition to nitroolefins and vinyl sulfones via enamine activation.

Over the last decade the potential of organocatalysis has successfully been demonstrated. In particular, chiral amines such as pyrrolidine analogues have emerged as a broadly applicable class of organocatalyst for asymmetric conjugate addition via enamine activation. This Feature Article documents the development of these catalysts, emphasizing the design and mechanistic features that supply high selectivity in asymmetric Michael reactions.