Asymmetric cyanation of nitroalkenes catalyzed by a salen-titanium catalyst.

The salen-Ti complex catalyzed cyanation of nitroolefins was accomplished via the silyl nitronate intermediate for the synthesis of chiral β-nitronitriles with e.r. up to 92 : 8 and high yields (up to 90%). The catalyst also kept a high turnover frequency at room temperature. The yield and enantioselectivity of the protocol were slightly affected even in a 10 mmol scale.