A Convenient Methodology for Nitro-Michael Addition of Carbonyl Compounds Catalyzed by L-Proline Using Microwave Heating

Michael addition of aldehydes and ketones to trans-β-nitrostyrene catalyzed by L-proline was investigated using microwave heating for rapid optimization of reaction conditions. The products could be obtained, easily in very short reaction times, high yields and comparable diastereo- and enantioselectivity with respect to the original procedures, under simple and more environmentally benign conditions such as the use of ethanol as the solvent and only a slight excess of the carbonyl compound.