Progress in the application of organocatalysis to asymmetric michael additions

Abstract

Organocatalysis has become one of the most intensively research fields. Asymmetric Michael addition is a key method for synthesis of versatile synthetic buildings and pharmaceutical intermediates, which include one or more stereochemical centers. The organocatalysts reported over the past three years for the asymmetric Michael addition are reviewed including primary amine, pyrrolidine based derivatives, (thio) urea, chiral squaramides and phosphoric acids. The relationship between structure of organocatalysts and their catalytic activities, catalytic reaction mechanism and the applications of these protocols for the preparation of drugs and bioactive intermediates are also introduced. © 2012 Chinese Chemical Society & SIOC, CAS.