Highly enantioselective Michael addition of α,α-disubstituted aldehydes to maleimides catalyzed by new primary amine-squaramide bifunctional organocatalysts

Abstract

New bifunctional primary amine-squaramides catalyzed asymmetric Michael addition reaction of α,α-disubstituted aldehydes to maleimides has been developed. This organocatalytic asymmetric reaction provides easy access to functionalized succinimides with a broad substrate scope. Both enantiomers of desired succinimide derivatives were obtained in good to excellent yields (up to 98%) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee).