Enantioselective Aza‐Michael Addition of Imides by Using an Integrated Strategy Involving the Synthesis of a Family of Multifunctional Catalysts,Usage of Multiple Catalysis,and Rational Design of Experiment

A challenging asymmetric reaction (aza‐Michael addition of imides to enones) has been optimized through an integrated approach involving the synthesis of a family of organocatalysts, multiple catalysis (usage of additives), and finally with rational exploration of the chemical space by the application of the experiment design.     

Recent advances in catalytic, enantioselective alpha aminations and alpha oxygenations of carbonyl compounds

The direct introduction of either a nitrogen or oxygen atom adjacent to a carbonyl group in a catalytic, enantioselective manner using both chiral Lewis acid and Lewis base catalysis has been described recently. The enantiomerically enriched products of these reactions, such as alpha-amino acids, represent fundamental building blocks for the construction of complex natural products and other important bioactive molecules. This Minireview provides a synopsis of this ever-growing field and highlights some of the challenges that still remain.