Rational design of organocatalyst: highly stereoselective Michael addition of cyclic ketones to nitroolefins.

A remarkable organocatalyst that facilitates the asymmetric Michael addition of cyclic ketones to nitroolefins in excellent stereoselectivities (98:2 to >99:1 dr, 92% to >99% ee) has been developed and afforded various types of optically active nitroalkane derivatives of synthetic and biological importance. The extremely simple and practical operational procedure at room temperature increases the attractiveness of this reaction.