Lithium Alkoxide-promoted Michael Reaction between Silyl Enolates and α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds

Michael reaction between silyl enolates and α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds by using a catalytic amount of Lewis base such as lithium alkoxide in DMF proceeds smoothly to afford the corresponding Michael-adducts in good yields with moderate to high diastereoselectivities. This reaction can be reasonably explained by considering an alkoxide anion-initiated autocatalytic process.