Organocatalytic Asymmetric Michael–Acyl Transfer Reaction of Α‐nitroketones with 2‐hydroxybenzylidene Ketones

An organocatalytic asymmetric cascade Michael–acyl transfer reaction between 2‐hydroxybenzylidene ketones and α‐nitroketones is developed. The 9‐amino(9‐deoxy)‐epi‐hydroquinine catalyst in combination with benzoic acid was found to be the most effective for this reaction and the desired products were isolated in moderate to good yields and excellent enantioselectivities.