NHC Organocatalytic Formal LUMO Activation of α,β‐Unsaturated Esters for Reaction with Enamides

An effective wake-up call: Stable α,β-unsaturated esters were activated by the addition of a chiral N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) organocatalyst, and the resulting reactive Michael acceptor intermediates reacted with enamide nucleophiles to furnish optically pure products (see scheme; Ts=p-toluenesulfonyl). These products can be converted readily into bioactive δ-lactams, piperidines, and their derivatives. As a service to our authors and readers, this journal provides supporting information supplied by the authors. Such materials are peer reviewed and may be re-organized for online delivery, but are not copy-edited or typeset. Technical support issues arising from supporting information (other than missing files) should be addressed to the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.