Enantioselective Henry reaction catalyzed by C2-symmetric chiral diamine–copper(II) complex

A copper(II) complex of C2-symmetric diamine has been proved to be an efficient catalyst for the enantioselective Henry reaction between nitroalkanes and various aldehydes to provide β-hydroxy nitroalkanes in high yields (up to 97%), moderate diastereoselectivities (up to 71:29) and excellent enantiomeric excesses (up to 96%). The chiral nitroaldol adduct obtained has been further converted into chiral aziridine in few steps.