Memory of Chirality Concept in Asymmetric Intermolecular Michael Addition of α-Amino Ester Enolates to Enones and Nitroalkenes.

A highly stereoselective asymmetric intermolecular conjugate addition of α-amino ester derivatives to cyclic enones via the memory of chirality (MOC) concept in high yields with excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivity (dr >99:1, up to 99% ee) is reported. The applicability and the generality of the strategy was demonstrated by its further exploration to acyclic α,β-unsaturated ketone and aromatic nitroalkenes, resulting in the formation of δ-keto-α-amino ester derivative and γ-nitro-α-amino ester derivatives, respectively, with excellent ee and dr.