The asymmetric vinylogous Mannich reaction of dicyanoalkylidenes with alpha-amido sulfones under phase-transfer conditions.

The stereoselective vinylogous Mannich reaction of dicyanoalkylidenes under phase-transfer catalytic conditions utilizing stable alpha-amido sulfones as imine precursors is presented; a rigid pyrrolidinium salt acts as the phase-transfer catalyst, giving access to the amino alkylated products in generally good yield and up to 95% ee.