Enantioselective conjugate addition of an α,α-dithioacetonitrile with nitroalkenes using chiral bis(imidazoline)-Pd complexes.

The enantioselective conjugate addition reaction of an α,α-dithioacetonitrile with nitroalkenes was catalysed by chiral bis(imidazoline)-palladium pincer-type complexes. The reaction was applicable to various nitroalkenes to afford products in good yield with high enantioselectivity. The obtained products can be converted to γ-lactam and biologically active rolipram.