Organocatalytic enantioselective indole alkylations of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones.

The C3-selective enantioselective Michael-type Friedel-Crafts alkylations of indoles with nonchelating alpha,beta-unsaturated alkyl ketones, catalysed by a chiral primary amine derived from natural cinchonine, were investigated. The reactions, in the presence of 30 mol% catalyst, were smoothly conducted at 0 to -20 degrees C. Moderate to good ee (47-89%) has been achieved.