An efficient and enantioselective Michael addition of aromatic oximes to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes promoted by a chiral diamine catalyst derived from α,α-diphenyl prolinol.

Chiral diamine catalysts 11a-e derived from α,α-diphenyl prolinol were prepared and successfully applied to the Michael addition of aromatic oximes to α,β-unsaturated aldehydes in mediocre to good yields (up to 78%) and good to high enantioselectivities (up to 93% ee).