The efficient asymmetric Michael addition reactions of pyrrolones with chalcones catalyzed by a simple and commercially available chiral 1,2-diaminocyclohexane-2-(N-Boc-amino)benzoic acid have been developed to provide the corresponding Michael adducts in good yields (up to 90%) and high enantioselectivities (up to 95% ee).

A metal-free process for the C-3 alkylation of imidazopyridines has been developed. Various alkylation products including alkyl ester-, cyano-, ketone- and amide-substituted imidazopyridines were prepared in good yields. With this method, a highly efficient and concise formal synthesis of alpidem (A) and zolpidem (B) has been completed.

A novel and highly efficient cascade synthesis of sulfonated quinoline dione derivatives from N-(2-cyanoaryl) methylacrylamides and sulfonylhydrazides in good yields is described. The reaction proceeds through radical addition, cyclization, and imine hydrolysis, in which one new C–C bond and one CO bond were formed.

The first bifunctional thiourea catalyzed asymmetric Michael addition reactions of nitroalkanes to 2-furanones are described. The highly functionalized γ-lactones with two or three consecutive stereogenic carbons were obtained in high yields (up to 99%), high diastereoselectivities (up to >20:1 dr) and enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee).

The first TMG catalyzed intramolecular aza-MBH reaction based on furanone derivatives was developed and successfully applied in the synthesis of a novel fused heterocyclic scaffold, furo[3,4-c]quinolin-3(1H)-ones in moderate to good yields.

The efficient asymmetric Michael addition reactions of aryl methyl ketones with 2-furanones were catalyzed by a simple and commercially available chiral 1,2-diphenyl-1,2-ethanediamine and p-TSA·H2O as cocatalyst with good yields (up to 95%) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee). A bi-functional catalytic mechanism for the reaction was proposed.

The first bifunctional thiourea catalyzed asymmetric Michael addition reactions of nitroalkanes to 2-furanones are described. The highly functionalized γ-lactones with two or three consecutive stereogenic carbons were obtained in high yields (up to 99%), high diastereoselectivities (up to >20:1 dr) and enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee).

The efficient asymmetric Michael addition reactions of aryl methyl ketones with 2-furanones were catalyzed by a simple and commercially available chiral 1,2-diphenyl-1,2-ethanediamine and p-TSA·H2O as cocatalyst with good yields (up to 95%) and excellent enantioselectivities (up to >99% ee). A bi-functional catalytic mechanism for the reaction was proposed.