Enantioselective synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyran derivatives via organocatalytic Michael reaction of α,β-unsaturated enones.

A simple chiral diamine catalyst (1a) was successfully applied in the asymmetric Michael reaction between cyclic dimedone and α,β-unsaturated ketones. Both acyclic enones with aryl or alkyl β-substituents and cyclic enones were tolerated well in the reaction. The desired adducts were obtained in high yields (up to 98%) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 97% ee). The additives were found to increase the reactivity dramatically. The biologically active 2,4-disubstituted polyhydroquinoline scaffold was conveniently prepared through an ammoniation from the generated 3,4-dihydropyran product.