Asymmetric multicomponent domino reactions and highly enantioselective conjugated addition of thiols to alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes.

An organocatalytic asymmetric multicomponent domino and a conjugated addition reaction to alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes are presented. The development is based, first, on an organocatalyzed highly enantioselective nucleophilic thiol addition to the beta-carbon atom in the iminium ion intermediate, followed by an electrophilic amination of the alpha-carbon atom to the enamine intermediate. The multicomponent reactions proceed to give enantiopure amino-thiols in moderate to good yields. Furthermore, the organocatalyzed thiol addition to alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes takes place in good yields and excellent enantioselectivities.