Enantioselective Michael Addition of Malonates to Enones

Abstract

: Many catalysts were tested in asymmetric Michael additions in order to synthesize enantioenriched products. One of the most common reaction types among the Michael reactions is the conjugated addition of malonates to enones making it possible to investigate the structure–activity relationship of the catalysts. The most commonly used Michael acceptors are chalcone, substituted chalcones, chalcone derivatives, cyclic enones, while typical donors may be dimethyl, diethyl, dipropyl, diisopropyl, dibutyl, di-tert-butyl and dibenzyl malonates. This review summarizes the most important enantioselective catalysts applied in these types of reactions.