New pyrrolidine-triazole-based C2 symmetric organocatalysts and their utility in the asymmetric Michael reaction of β-nitrostyrenes and the synthesis of nitrochromenes

The synthesis of new C-2 symmetric bis(pyrrolidine-triazole)-based organocatalysts and their utility in the asymmetric Michael reaction of beta-nitrostyrenes with very high diastereo- and enantioselectivity in water without any additives is reported. The asymmetric synthesis of nitrochromenes is also illustrated. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.