Atroposelective synthesis of axially and centrally chiral diaryl ethers through bifunctional urea catalyzed desymmetric Michael addition.

Herein, we devised a technique for the desymmetrization of new nitro-olefin groups containing prochiral diaryl ethers with malonates under the catalysis of bifunctional urea. The desired C-O axially and centrally chiral diaryl ethers were produced in good to high yields (up to 90%) and excellent diastereo- and enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee).