The one-pot domino Michael-azacyclization process was applied to the synthesis of chiral Nsubstituted 1,4-dihydropyridines. Chiral enaminoesters were reacted with alkylidene malonate olefins or α,β- ethylenic aldehydes. The crucial role of the α-substituent of the starting enaminoester both on the diastereoselectivity and on the orientation of the reaction was clearly evidenced.
Keywords: 1,4-dihydropyridines, aza-Michael, enaminoesters