Organocatalytic enantioselective direct vinylogous Michael addition of γ-substituted butenolides to 3-aroyl acrylates and 1,2-diaroylethylenes.

Adding value: The direct vinylogous Michael addition of γ-substituted butenolides with a series of 3-aroyl acrylates and 1,2-diaroylethylenes has been demonstrated. This organocatalytic method delivers highly enantio- and diastereomerically pure γ,γ-disubstituted butenolides with adjacent quaternary and tertiary stereocenters (see scheme).