Synthesis of Chiral α-Vinyl Quaternary α-Amino Acid Derivatives through Organocatalyzed Asymmetric Conjugate Addition of Azlactone to Ynone

The first successful example of the stereoselective conjugate addition of azlactones to ynones is reported. Diaminomethylenemalononitrile organocatalysts efficiently promoted the asymmetric conjugate addition of azlactones to ynones, affording the corresponding α-vinyl quaternary α-amino acid derivatives in high yields with good to high enantioselectivities (up to 91% ee).