Borane-Catalyzed Direct Asymmetric Vinylogous Mannich Reactions of Acyclic α,β-Unsaturated Ketones.

Herein, we report that, by using chiral bicyclic bisborane catalysts, we have achieved the first highly regio-, diastereo-, and enantioselective direct asymmetric vinylogous Mannich reactions of acyclic α,β-unsaturated ketones. The strong Lewis acidity and steric bulk of the bisborane catalysts were essential for the observed high yields and selectivities.