Rapid Construction of ( ∼)- Paroxetine and (∼)- Femoxetine via an NHeterocyclic Carbene Catalyzed Homoenolate Addition to Nitroalkenes

A concise enantioselective synthesis of (-)-paroxetine (Paxil) and (-)-femoxetine has been achieved. Key to these syntheses is an N-heterocyclic carbene catalyzed homoenolate addition to a nitroalkene followed by in situ reduction of the nitro group to rapidly access -lactams.