The enantioselective direct vinylogous aldol reaction of 3-methyl 2-cyclohexen-1-one with α-keto esters has been developed. The key to success was the design of a bifunctional primary amine-thiourea catalyst that can combine H-bond-directing activation and dienamine catalysis. The simultaneous dual activation of the two reacting partners results in high reactivity while securing high levels of stereocontrol.
![Asymmetric vinylogous aldol reaction via H?Bond-directing dienamine catalysis](https://www.iciq.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Asymmetric-vinylogous-aldol_220.gif)