Organocatalytic Asymmetric Formal 3+2 Cycloaddition Reaction of Isocyanoesters to Nitroolefins Leading to Highly Optically Active Dihydropyrroles

Closing the circle: The asymmetric 3+2 formal cycloaddition reaction of α-substituted isocyanoesters with nitroolefins is catalyzed by cinchona alkaloid derivatives to yield 2,3-dihydropyrroles with high diastereo- and enantioselectivities (see scheme).