Enantioselective synthesis of chiral α,β-unsaturated γ-substituted butyrolactams by organocatalyzed direct asymmetric vinylogous Michael addition of α,β-unsaturated γ-butyrolactam to 2-enoylpyridines

An organocatalyzed direct asymmetric vinylogous Michael addition reaction of α,β-unsaturated γ-butyrolactam to 2-enoylpyridines has been developed with a chiral bifunctional amine-squaramide as the catalyst. This approach provides easy access to a series of optically active α,β-unsaturated γ-substituted butyrolactams in high yields (up to 99%) with excellent diastereoselectivities (up to >99:1) and enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee).