| abstract |
Nonmetallic organic catalysts are provided that facilitate the enantioselective reaction of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones. The catalysts are chiral imidazolidinone compounds having the structure of formula (IIA) or (IIB) or are acid addition salts thereof, wherein, in one preferred embodiment, R1 is C1-C6 alkyl, R2 is phenyl or 2-methylfuryl, R3 and R4 are hydrogen, and R5 is phenyl optionally substituted with 1 or 2 substituents selected from the group consisting of halo, hydroxyl, and C1-C6 alkyl. The chiral imidazolidinones are useful in catalyzing a wide variety of reactions, including cycloaddition reactions, Friedel-Crafts alkylation reactions, and Michael additions. |