The asymmetric Kinugasa reaction was performed on pure water for the first time without the need for any organic co-solvents. In contrast to most asymmetric Kinugasa reactions, trans-β-lactams were obtained as the major products in good yields, enantioselectivities, and diastereoselectivities (up to 90 % yield, 98 % ee, and >99:1 d.r.). This reaction is atom-economical, environmentally friendly, and affords synthetically useful but challenging products.

Highly selective: the title reaction is achieved with high enantiomeric and geometric control and thermodynamically unstable (Z)-enone derivatives are obtained as the major products. The procedure tolerates a wide range of substrates to generate optically active pyrazolones with vinyl-substituted quaternary stereocenters.

The bifunctional organocatalyst C3 N,N'-dioxide has been successfully applied to the asymmetric cascade Michael/hemiacetalization reaction of α-substituted cyano ketones and β,γ-unsaturated α-ketoesters for the synthesis of multifunctionalized chiral dihydropyrans. The corresponding products were obtained in excellent yields (up to 99%) with high to excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee).

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