Michael addition of manganese enolates to nitroolefins

1 - ArticleThe Michael addition to nitroolefins of manganese enolates derived from an array of ketones is reported. The desired 1,4-adducts are obtained in high yield and excellent diastereo- and regioselectivity, the sole kinetic adduct being obtained in the case of nonsymmetrical ketones. The effect of a thiourea-type organocatalyst on the addition of several representative nitroolefins to the kinetic manganese enolate derived from isopropyl ethyl ketone is also reported