Computational studies of cinchona alkaloid-catalyzed asymmetric Michael additions

Cinchona alkaloid is one of the most effective organocatalysts that facilitate a wide range of transformations. To elucidate the mechanistic details and especially the origins of the observed high enantio- and diastereoselectivities, computational chemists have contributed dramatic efforts in this important area. This review covers the recent computational studies on the cinchona alkaloid-catalyzed asymmetric Michael additions, including both C-C and C-S bond formations, to present a general viewpoint of these fruitful advances. Based on the types of bond formation and the cinchona alkaloid catalysts, key information regarding the activation model and the origins of enantioselectivities is discussed. (C) 2018 Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.