Asymmetric Indoline Synthesis via Intramolecular Aza-Michael Addition Mediated by Bifunctional Organocatalysts

A novel method for the asymmetric synthesis of 2-substituted indolines, employing bifunctional amino(thio)urea catalysts, was developed. The reaction proceeded via an intramolecular aza-Michael addition mediated by activation through hydrogen bonding. The catalytic process was shown to be highly versatile and applicable to a wide range of substrates due to the flexible catalytic mechanism utilizing a noncovalent interaction.