Organocatalytic Highly Enantioselective Michael Addition of 2-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinones to Nitroalkenes

The first organocatalytic enantioselective Michael addition of 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinones to nitroalkenes for the direct synthesis of chiral nitroalkylated naphthoquinone derivatives was investigated. Good yields and excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee) could be achieved. This organocatalytic asymmetric Michael addition provides an efficient route toward the synthesis of optically active functionalized naphthoquinones.