Enantioselective Michael addition of malononitrile to chalcones catalyzed by a simple quinine–Al(OiPr)3 complex: a simple method for the synthesis of a chiral 4H-pyran derivative

Enantioselective Michael addition of malononitrile to chalcones was catalyzed by a simple quinine and Al(O(i)Pr)(3) complex and products were obtained in good ee as well as high yields, which facilitated the asymmetric synthesis of a biologically active 4H-pyran compound.