Diastereoselective Michael reaction of chiral nickel(II) glycinate with nitroalkenes for asymmetric synthesis of β-substituted α,γ-diaminobutyric acid derivatives in water.

We have developed the first operationally simple and environmentally benign protocol for the aqueous asymmetric Michael addition reaction of chiral nickel(II) glycinate with nitroalkenes. The reactions proceeded smoothly in the presence of TBAB (tetrabutyl ammonium bromide) in neat water at room temperature and provided good yields of β-substituted α,γ-diaminobutyric acid derivatives with excellent diastereoselectivities.