Catalytic asymmetric domino Michael addition-alkylation reaction: enantioselective synthesis of dihydrofurans.

A catalytic enantioselective synthesis of dihydrofurans has been developed. 1,3-Dicarbonyl derivatives react with (E)-β,β-bromonitrostyrenes in the presence of a chiral bifunctional thiourea catalyst providing mild and efficient access to diverse polysubstituted dihydrofurans in good yields and enantioselectivities.