Catalytic Asymmetric 1,4-Additions of β-Keto Esters to Nitroalkenes Promoted by a Bifunctional Homobimetallic Co(2)-Schiff Base Complex

Catalytic asymmetric 1,4-addition of β-keto esters to nitroalkenes is described. 2.5 mol % of a homobimetallic Lewis acid/Brønsted base bifunctional Co(2)-Schiff base complex smoothly promoted the reaction in excellent yield (up to 99%), diastereoselectivity, and enantioselectivity (up to >30:1 dr and 98% ee). Catalyst loading was successfully reduced to 0.1 mol %. Mechanistic studies suggested that intramolecular cooperative functions of the two Co-metal centers are important for high catalytic activity and stereoselectivity.