Organocatalytic Asymmetric Michael Addition of Ketones to alpha,beta-Unsaturated Nitro Compounds

An organic catalyst "(R,R)-1,2-diphenylethylenediamine(DPEN) derivative" was devel-oped as a chiral bifunctional organocatalyst and applied for asymmetric Michael additions of aromatic ketones totrans-beta-nitroalkene compounds under neutral conditions. The isopropyl-subs-tituted thiourea catalyst in neutral condition provides high chemical yield and enantioselectivities (ee) (up to 96% yield, 98% ee).