Enantioselective alpha-amination of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds using squaramide derivatives as hydrogen bonding catalysts.

Catalytic enantioselective alpha-hydrazination of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with azodicarboxylates was investigated in the presence of our newly developed hydrogen bonding catalyst, squaramide 3j. High yields and high enantioselectivities were achieved with low catalyst loading under mild conditions.