Ni(II)-Bis[(R,R)-N,N'-dibenzylcyclohexane-1,2-diamine]Br2 catalyzed enantioselective Michael additions of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds to conjugated nitroalkenes.

A highly enantioselective Michael addition of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds to nitroalkenes has been developed that employs a newly developed Ni(II)-(bis)diamine based catalyst. The reaction scope includes substituted and unsubstituted malonates, beta-ketoesters, and nitroalkenes bearing aromatic and aliphatic residues. Ease of synthesis of this complex is noteworthy.