Asymmetric Intramolecular Michael Reaction Catalyzed by Proline-Derived Small Anilides.

Simple proline-derived anilide-catalyzed asymmetric �intramolecular Michael reaction was described. Chiral cyclic keto-aldehydes were obtained from acyclic formyl enones in excellent yields with good stereoselectivity. The reaction proceeded in exceptionally fast with a commercially available proline anilide. On the other hand, the longer reaction time conduced toward the higher �diastereoselectivity through the favorable isomerization of the cyclic keto-aldehydes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]