Enantioselective tandem reaction of chromone-derived Morita-Baylis-Hillman carbonates with benzylamines catalyzed by a trifunctional organocatalyst: the synthesis of chiral 3-aminomethylene-flavanones.

An enantioselective tandem reaction of chromones-derived MBH carbonates (1) with benzylamines (2) catalyzed by a trifunctional organocatalyst, cinchonidine-amide-thiourea, has been developed in moderate to good yields (50-87%) and enantioselectivities (up to 89% ee).