ABT-341 was synthesized in high yield with excellent diastereo- and
enantioselectivity in a one-pot process mediated by a diphenylprolinol
silyl ether (see scheme; TMS=trimethylsilyl). Thus, an asymmetric
Michael reaction, a domino Michael/Horner–Wadsworth–Emmons reaction
combined with a retro-aldol reaction, base-catalyzed isomerization,
amide-bond formation, and reduction of the nitro group all took place in
a single flask.