Asymmetric Direct Vinylogous Conjugate Addition of Substituted Furanone Derivatives to ( E )‐ and ( Z) ‐Benzoyl Acrylonitriles Using Organocatalysts

Diaminomethylenemalononitrile organocatalysts efficiently promoted the asymmetric direct vinylogous conjugate addition of α-angelica lactone to (E)- and (Z)-benzoyl acrylonitrile derivatives, resulting in the corresponding addition products bearing a vicinal tertiary and quaternary stereogenic centers with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee).