(2S)-2-[(Phenylsulfinyl)methyl]pyrrolidine-Catalyzed Efficient Stereoselective Michael Addition of Cyclohexanone and Cyclopentanone to Nitroolefins.

(2S)-2-[(Phenylsulfinyl)methyl]pyrrolidine, derived from L-proline, has been demonstrated as an efficient organocata-lyst for the asymmetric Michael addition of cyclohexanone and cy-clopentanone to ß-nitrostyrenes. This pyrrolidine-based catalyst bearing a sulfoxide moiety was used to synthesize various y-nitro carbonyl compounds in high yield (up to 97%) with excellent ste-reoselectivity (up to >99:1 dr and >99% ee) without the use of any additive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]