Convenient catalytic, enantioselective conjugate reduction of nitroalkenes using CuF2

We document the use of a new catalyst system for the enantioselective conjugate reduction of nitroalkenes utilizing commercially available CuF(2) and the bis-phosphine JOSIPHOS as a ligand. This new protocol not only facilitates ready access to a variety of optically active nitroalkanes, but the results provide also new insight into copper-catalyzed reactions. [reaction: see text]