Polystyrene-immobilized pyrrolidine as a highly stereoselective and recyclable organocatalyst for asymmetric Michael addition of cyclohexanone to nitroolefins

Abstract

Polystyrene-immobilized pyrrolidine 4 has been developed as a highly efficient, reusable, and stereoselective organocatalyst for the asymmetric Michael addition of cyclohexanone to nitroolefins. In the presence of trifluoroacetic acid, 4 catalyzed the reaction of cyclohexanone to a variety of nitroolefins with high yields (up to >99%) and excellent diastereoselectivities (up to >99:1 dr), and enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee). Furthermore, 4 could be recovered and recycled by a simple filtration of the reaction solution and used for more than 10 consecutive trials without significant loss of its catalytic activity.