Domino Asymmetric Conjugate Addition–Conjugate Addition

Enantioenriched Al-, Mg-, and Zn-enolates undergo electrophilic trapping by nitroolefins and vinylsulfones to afford 1,4-diketones and 2-(bis­(phenyl­sulfonyl)­ethyl)­ketones in good yield and excellent diastereoselectivity. A one-pot preparation of indenes and enantiopure syntheses of tetra­hydro­benzo­furans, tetra­hydro­benzo­pyrroles, and azulenes are disclosed. A site-selective two-step sequence of three conjugate additions is also demonstrated.