Unsaturated beta-ketoesters as versatile electrophiles in organocatalysis.

Beta-ketoesters, which have widely been employed as nucleophiles, are also useful electrophiles in organocatalytic quinine mediated cascade reactions, leading to the formation of products bearing multiple stereocenters in high stereoselectivity.

Synergic asymmetric organocatalysis (SAOc) of Cinchona alkaloids and secondary amines in the synthesis of bicyclo[2.2.2]octan-2-ones.

A synergistic effect between chiral secondary and tertiary amines gives access to bicyclo[2.2.2]octan-2-ones with up to 90% ee and >10 : 1 dr.