Catalytic asymmetric peroxidation of α,β-unsaturated nitroalkenes by a bifunctional organic catalyst

A new enantioselective peroxidation of α,β-unsaturated nitroalkenes was realized with an easily accessible acid-base bifunctional organic catalyst derived from cinchona alkaloids. This reaction provides unprecedented easy access to optically active chiral peroxides, as illustrated by the asymmetric synthesis of β-peroxy nitro compounds.