Catalytic activation of nucleophile precursors with metal acetates in alcohol media and applications to enantioselective Michael addition reactions

Nickel(II) acetate tetrahydrate works as catalyst to activate nucleophile precursors in Michael addition reactions. Use of alcohol media is essential for the high catalytic activation of nucleophile precursors. Catalytic enantioselective reactions using a chiral nickel(II) acetate tetrahydrate between dimedone and α,β-unsaturated amide acceptors provide a useful synthetic access to enantiomers of enol lactones through the carbon-carbon bond formation.