Current advances of organocatalytic Michael–Michael cascade reaction in the synthesis of highly functionalized cyclic molecules

Abstract

Organocatalytic domino/cascade reactions provide a convenient method for the construction of highly functionalized cyclic molecular structures bearing multiple stereocenters in a highly stereoselective fashion. A wide range of organocatalysts used for the construction of these architecturally complex molecules are reported. A distinct activation mode of monofunctional and bifunctional catalysts with different additive and bases used for synergistic co-operative activation also presented. The strategies and catalyst system described here highlight recent advances in the enantioselective synthesis of poly functionalized cyclic molecules via organocascade (Michael–Michael) reactions. This review focuses on the enantioselective synthesis of cyclic molecules via organocascade reactions and is organized on the basis of four categories of activation such as enamine–iminium catalysis, iminium–enamine catalysis, base–base catalysis and acid–base catalysis (bifunctional catalysis).