Direct asymmetric vinylogous Mannich reaction of 3,4-dihalofuran-2(5H)-one with aldimine catalyzed by quinine.

The direct asymmetric vinylogous Mannich reaction of 3,4-dihalofuran-2(5H)-one with aldimine catalyzed by quinine was first reported, and γ-butenolides have been obtained in excellent yield (up to 98%) and enantioselectivities (up to 95% ee). The synthetic applications of this protocol are demonstrated in the preparations of γ-substituted amino butyrolactones and vicinal amino alcohols.

Organocatalytic stereocontrolled synthesis of 3,3'-pyrrolidinyl spirooxindoles by [3+2] annulation of isocyanoesters with methyleneindolinones.

A stereoselective [3+2] cycloaddition of isocyanoesters to methyleneindolinones catalyzed by a quinine-based thiourea-tertiary amine has been successfully developed. Just by tuning the protecting groups on substrates, a variety of optically enriched 3,3'-pyrrolidinyl spirooxindole diastereomers could be obtained in excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee).

Highly enantioselective aldol reaction of acetone with ß,γ-unsaturated α-keto esters promoted by simple chiral primary-tertiary diamine catalysts.

A series of primary-tertiary diamine catalysts were successfully applied to promote the enantioselective aldol reaction of acetone with ß,γ-unsaturated α-keto esters in excellent yields (up to 99%) and enantioselectivities (up to 96% ee).

A highly organocatalytic stereoselective double Michael reaction: efficient construction of optically enriched spirocyclic oxindoles.

An effective double Michael reaction has been disclosed to access spirocyclic oxindoles in high yields (up to 98%) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee).