Organocatalytic asymmetric Michael reaction with acylsilane donors

We have developed an organocatalytic asymmetric Michael reaction of acylsilane through the selection of acylsilane substrates and organocatalysts, thus creating a rare example of acylsilane alpha-alkylation with a chiral guanidine catalyst, which afforded products in good yields and high stereoselectivity. The corresponding adducts described here have also been demonstrated to be useful in the synthesis of unnatural amino acids and biologically active compounds.