Desymmetrization of aziridine with malononitrile using cinchona alkaloid amide/zinc(ii) catalysts.

The catalytic enantioselective desymmetrization of aziridines with malononitrile has been developed. Good yield and enantioselectivity were obtained by using cinchona alkaloid amide/Zn(ii) catalysts. The obtained product can be converted to β-aminoester, β-aminoamide and triamide compounds.