Stereoselective synthesis of highly functionalized nitrocyclopropanes via organocatalyic conjugate addition to nitroalkenes.

A convenient and novel one-pot organocatalytic methodology for the stereoselective synthesis of highly functionalized nitrocyclopropanes is reported. The addition of dimethyl chloromalonate to a variety of nitroolefins catalyzed by tertiary amines leads to a Michael adduct which cyclizes to form the cyclopropane in the presence of DBU under carefully controlled reaction conditions with outstanding diastereoselectivity.