An organocatalytic asymmetric Michael addition of ketones to alkylidene malonates has been developed. In the presence of 20 mol % of urea 1a or N-(pyrrolidin-2-ylmethyl)trifluoromethanesulfonamide 1j, the reactions of ketones with alkylidene malonates afford the desired Michael adducts in moderate to good yields with good to high enantioselectivities under mild conditions.

Highly efficient synthesis of chiral tetrasubstituted 2,3-dihydrofuran derivatives has been realized by Cu-catalyzed asymmetric [4 + 1] cycloadditions of α-benzylidene-β-ketoester with a diazo compound. Following this methodology, a series of optically active multifunctionalized dihydrofurans were prepared in high yield with up to 96% ee and 99/1 dr.

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