Highly enantioselective Michael addition of malononitrile to α,β-unsaturated pyrazolamides catalyzed by a bifunctional thiourea

A new protocol for the organocatalytic asymmetric Michael addition of malononitrile to alpha,beta-unsaturated pyrazolamides is reported. The Michael reaction proceeded smoothly in the presence of a bifunctional thiourea and provided the desired adducts in moderate to excellent yields (27-99%) and good to excellent enantioselectivities (80-95% ee). (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.