Transfer hydrogenation of nitroolefins

Asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of nitroolefins was catalysed by synthesized and derivatized chiral bifunctional thioureas to furnish products in yields up to 99% and 86% ee. The mechanistic investigations supported the proposed mode of action of the catalyst. ... 

Martin NJA, Ozores L, List B. Organocatalytic asymmetric transfer hydrogenation of nitroolefins. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2007 129 8976-8977. 

The organocatalytic activation of electrophiles through (double) hydrogen bonding has been exploited in the transfer hydrogenation of imines and nitroolefins using Hanztsch esters. Unsubstituted thiourea was reported as efficient catalyst for the one-pot reductive animation of both aldehydes [77] and ketones [78] with various... 

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