Asymmetric synthesis of functionalized trifluoromethyl-substituted pyrrolidines via an organocatalytic domino Michael/Mannich [3+2] cycloaddition.

The asymmetric synthesis of highly functionalized pyrrolidine derivatives with three contiguous stereogenic centers and bearing a trifluoromethyl group has been developed through an organocatalytic domino Michael/Mannich [3+2] cycloaddition sequence. Employing a commercially available secondary amine as the catalyst, the scalable one-pot protocol occurs with high yields and excellent stereoselectivities, providing a short entry into a series of trifluoromethylated pyrrolidines with potential medical value.