Abstract An efficient and convenient highly enantioselective Michael addition of malononitrile to enones has been developed by using quinine as the organocatalyst. The adducts were isolated in excellent yield and high asymmetric induction (up to 95% ee). An easy route to difficultly accessible ester derivatives has been also disclosed.
![2-[3-(4-bromophenyl)-3-oxo-1-phenylpropyl]propanedinitrile Structure](https://image.chemsrc.com/caspic/130/94360-06-2.png)