The chiral non racemic alpha-cyanopiperidine (1) and its alpha-methyl
derivative (4) react with activated alkynes. Depending on the reaction
conditions, Michael adducts are obtained. Moreover, synthon (4) gives
access to the 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroquinoline framework in one step. The
substitution pattern on the aromatic ring depends on the alkyne. This
constitutes a new and short synthetic method of chiral non racemic 1,2
,3,4-tetrahydroquinolines.