Asymmetric organocatalytic double-conjugate addition of malononitrile to dienones: efficient synthesis of optically active cyclohexanones.

9-Amino-9-deoxyepiquinine efficiently catalyzed the double-conjugate addition of malononitrile to dienones. A number of 1,1,2,6-tetrasubstituted cyclohexanones were prepared in good yields, diastereoselectivities, and excellent enantioselectivities.