Our findings on the bifunctional squaramide‐catalyzed enantioselective conjugateaddition of β‐ketoamides to nitroolefins are disclosed. It appears that simple acyclic methylene β‐ketoamides, unlike the extensively studied β‐ketoesters, afford the products in excellent diastereoselectivities, and maintain high yields and enantioselectivities. Moreover, competition and kinetic studies were conducted
In a modification of the Wierenga-Skulnick β-ketoester synthesis, the dianions of malonic acid mono-amides were condensed with acid chlorides. Acidic workup led to decarboxylation and isolation of the corresponding β-keto amides in good-to-excellent yields. A similar procedure with cyanoacetic acid gave β-keto nitriles.